Department of Commerce Visits with Youth Services in Massillon to Promote Careers in the Skilled Trades Following Incarceration

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Following successful events at two juvenile correctional facilities across Ohio this year, the Ohio Department of Commerce and Department of Youth Services (DYS) completed a third visit this past Monday at Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility in Massillon to introduce youth to the opportunities presented by careers in the skilled trades.

Representatives from the Ohio Construction Industry Licencing Board and Ohio Board of Building Standards spoke with 39 youth incarcerated at Indian River about the professional opportunities available to them by pursuing a career in a skilled trade.

This visit followed previous events at the Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility (Pickaway County) on May 7 and the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility (Cuyahoga County) on July 8. In total, during these three events, Commerce met with nearly 150 incarcerated youth who are approaching their date of release to promote careers in the skilled trades following their incarceration, and explain what steps they can take to get started on that career path.

"Everybody deserves a second chance, particularly when you're a young person, and this is a great way to give them that chance," said Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield said. "We hope that by having these career-focused conversations with these individuals now, we are inspiring them to focus on a successful and rewarding career."

Given Ohio's rapid growth, workers in the skilled trades are in high demand. Whether it be in construction, plumbing, HVAC, electric, welding, pipefitting, or any of the trades, these positions are highly sought after and offer competitive salaries, even at the starting apprenticeship level. In addition, having a criminal background does not disqualify someone from pursuing a career in the skilled trades.

After as few as five years as an apprentice, individuals in a trade can expect to earn more than twice the median income in Ohio. In addition to being able to earn a competitive wage, young Ohioans are able to receive hands-on training while avoiding student debt. If advanced education is desired, in many cases, employers will offer to pay for an individual to earn college credit toward an associate or bachelor's degree available at many state colleges and universities.

"These events showcase all the career paths and skilled trade opportunities our youth have once they are released from our care," said DYS Director Amy Ast. "Creating career pathways for our high school graduates is important for a successful transition as they return to their communities."

Currently in Ohio and across the nation, the skilled trades are facing an aging workforce. The need for young people entering these career fields adds to the opportunities these youth have upon their release.

Considering the combination of workforce needs, competitive wages, and opportunities for upward career trajectory, Maxfield highlighted the opportunities that careers in the skilled trades provide in helping these individuals get a fresh start while working in a growing field that is helping to shape the future of Ohio.

"These youth need a second chance and an opportunity," Maxfield said. "Given the vacuum of talent in the trades and the demand for work in Ohio, they have the ability to immediately begin a career that will not only help them, but help the entire state of Ohio as well."

During these visits, the Department of Commerce's Board of Building Standards provided code books to the facilities that incarcerated youth will be able to access to learn more about building codes and starting a career in building code administration.

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE SOTS AND B-ROLL

• :00 - :52 - Michael Baisden (BAYS-din), Ohio Contractor Administrator, Ohio Construction Industry Licensing board, Ohio Department of Commerce
• :53 - 1:34 - Sherry Maxfield, Director, Ohio Department of Commerce
• 1:35 - 3:50 - B-Roll

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About the Division of Industrial Compliance

The Division of Industrial Compliance is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.

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