LCCTC Business & Industry Fair

On Thursday, March 8th, LCCTC held its annual Business and Industry Fair. Invited to speak were entrepreneurs, business and industry leaders, military recruiters, union representatives, and admissions officers from local businesses and area technical schools and colleges were invited to speak. The theme this year was “Hireable Soft Skills” ~ important lessons needed to find success in their particular industry.

Students had the opportunity to select two presentations to visit; a third was selected for them, based on the need for career artifact completion, and all students visited the business fair in the gym.

Having a vision and filling a need are important aspects for entrepreneurs. Small business owners need to be willing to prioritize and problem-solve to meet the needs of their customers. While it’s great to be your own boss, you are also responsible for the upkeep of and investment in equipment, taxes, insurance, and salaries. Of course, an outstanding work ethic and a willingness to work hard and smart is essential.

Communication was a consistent theme in several rooms: The ability to speak, listen, and be present — without their focus on cell phones — was the message. Students must be able to connect with others — a staple of teamwork and problem-solving strategies.

Students must also be ready to demonstrate organizational skills. This transfers over to showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and being able to follow multiple-step directions.

Students saw business owners, schools, and representatives from the military — hearing of their many options when they graduate, and when the bell rang to end the sessions and start the day, they had the opportunity to connect and network.

Cosmetology student, Tresherlyn Signer is excited about getting her license so she can get a great job she’ll really enjoy. “I can get a job once I get my license; a place like Alline Salon Group might be a good fit for my goals.”

“I have a lot of options when I graduate,” shares Cale Schliffka, “I’m still figuring out what works best for me, but hearing from Cody Marks helps me think about owning my own business someday; that’s always been a dream of mine.”

Sophomore Cole Lanshak may have a career as a future business owner in his sights. “I could make a lot of money and be my own boss, but it would be a lot of responsibility.” Even with those ideas, it is something he’d consider when he graduates.

For Machine Tool Technician, Hunter Stoughton, the fair offered several options: “Although I’m not studying the trade, Western Central Electricians offers training and job opportunities that interest me. Hearing from entrepreneurs was eye-opening, too; I may want to open my own engine-building shop one day.” He continues, “I also spoke with the representative at North American Forgemasters offers careers with great potential for the program I’m studying. I have a lot to consider in the next year!”

Oil and Gas junior, Logan Marcus, heard from the Ellwood Group Inc and now realizes this: “This type of work is interesting to me. It would fit the type of job I’m looking for.” For this hard-working student, when he graduates, he knows that work like this is more than an option; it’s an opportunity.

Senior Corbin Keller was excited about listening to the Bricklayers & Craftworkers Local 9: “I learned that bricklaying is not just a job — it’s a career. I’m looking forward to learning more about a future with them because it’s a passion I’ve had, something I’ve always wanted to do.”

For some, this opportunity invited possibilities for direction after graduation. “College isn’t really for me,” states senior Skylar Owens, “but after listening to the Navy presentation, this is something I might consider.”

This year’s Business & Industry Fair was an incredible opportunity for our students — helping them to consider their plans for “tomorrow.”

We would like to thank those who have agreed to come to our school and speak with our students!

  • Air National Guard

  • Alline Salon Group

  • Berner International

  • Bricklayers and Craftworkers Local 9 PA

  • Butler County Community College

  • Cody Marks from Rock Light Electric

  • Ellwood Group

  • Flowline

  • Hovis Auto

  • JB Mill

  • Justin Simon: On Entrepreneurship

  • Kurt Miller: On Volunteer Firefighting

  • Laurel Technical Institute

  • Lindy Paving

  • Moraine State Park

  • New Castle Police Department

  • New Castle School of Trades

  • North American Forgemasters with EGI

  • Penn United

  • Penn West

  • Pets in Harmony Hospital & Pet Salon

  • Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

  • Pittsburgh Technical College

  • Preston Auto

  • Rosedale Tech

  • Slippery Rock University

  • Susan Clever: On Military Families

  • United States Navy

  • UPMC School of Nursing

  • Western Central PA Electricians

Thank you for your support of our students — helping them to become “Smart Cookies” (the thank-you gift given thanks to homemade chocolate chip cookies from Restaurant Trades)!

Carolyn McVicker