The Economic Development Partnership is increasing Hillsdale County’s youth awareness of skilled trades by hosting a Skilled Trades Career Exploration event on Feb. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.
This free event is open to people of all ages who have an initial interest in skilled trades and will take place at the Litchfield Regional Training Center for the second year in a row. Additionally, there will be a free taco bar at the event.
“What we really want to accomplish is to introduce young people to the available skilled trades in the area,” Director of Litchfield Regional Training Center Bill Nobles said. “It mainly attracts students in seventh through 12th grade, but it goes beyond that for recent graduates and people who might want a career change.”
Litchfield Regional Training Center will be opening its doors to show visitors the advanced technical manufacturing training that it offers and meet the program instructors.
Visitors will be able to participate in hands-on demonstrations such as welding and robotics. Additionally, several companies will be at the event to represent other trades, including healthcare, carpentry, and programming.
President of Hillsdale Terminal John Condon said he will be presenting demonstrations on programming machinery, drawing equipment, designing software, and other electrical and mechanical skills.
“There’s a lot of opportunity for students in today’s world to have a good high-paying job with skilled trades, so we want to show students what their options are,” Condon said.
Annette Sands at EDP said many professionals are retiring from these trades, so those hosting the event are hoping to “reignite the field with younger people.”
“Overall, there is a lack of skilled trades across the country,” Sands said. “We are heavily encouraging the schools to participate so students can learn about available careers.
To register for this event, one can call (517) 437-3200 or visit https://www.hillsdaleedp.org/2020c.
