Tag Archives: trades







Amy and Matt Connelly, with Austin Claussell, the first-time recipient of a memorial scholarship in honor of their son, Adam.

Honoring a dream: Friend of late IBEW Local 573 apprentice first to receive memorial scholarship


It was an emotional moment for Amy and Matt Connelly to present the first-ever memorial scholarship in honor of their son to his lifelong friend. Adam Connelly, 21, passed away in November 2022 following a car accident. At the time, Adam was a second-year apprentice with IBEW Local 573. In his memory, the Connellys are […]

Apprentice Grace Morrison helps students bend conduit at the Mahoning Valley SKilled Trades Expo.

Students connect to the value of a career in the electrical trade


Droves of students flocked to the electrical exhibit at the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo on September 17-19. They were learning to bend conduit, testing out a virtual reality tool that walks them through various electrical tasks, talking with apprentices about basic wiring and what a career is like, as well as getting an up-close […]

Karisten Blackshere, a first-year apprentice, at the Warren JATC.

Local woman lands in electrician apprenticeship after Las Vegas journey


Growing up on a farm in northern Trumbull County taught Karisten Blackshere about hard work and being hands-on. Now, in her first year in the electrician apprenticeship at the Warren JATC, she understands early mornings, sacrifices and persistence. However, it took thousands of miles and several life experiences to get there. Venture to Las Vegas […]

female electrician shows boys how to bend pipe

Skilled Trades Expo boosts electrician apprentice recruiting efforts


Students from across the Mahoning Valley were tradespeople for a day at the Skilled Trades Expo on Sept. 21 and 22, learning hands-on and interacting with workers to learn about opportunities in the building and construction industry. NECA-IBEW Electricians were represented by the Warren and Youngstown training centers, current apprentices and representative contractors who introduced […]

Eric Davis of the Warren Electrical JATC stands near equipment installed by apprentices.

Skilled Trades Expo to introduce students from Valley viable future options


Thousands of high school students from around the Mahoning Valley will get an up-close look at skilled trades, and how they can build their future. The 2021 Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo will take place from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. for students and 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. for adults on Wednesday, Sept. 22 […]