North Summit News

State Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) met with Patrick Scherer, Scout Executive of the Great Trail Council, to discuss the $750,000 awarded to the Middle School Trades Education Center through Substitute House Bill 2. This funding is part of the state's two-year construction budget for capital projects across Ohio, developed in conjunction with State Senator Roegner.

The Middle School Trades Education Center will provide hands-on education in plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, welding, carpentry, and 3D Design for over 60,000 middle school students. The center will be located at Camp Manatoc in Peninsula, Ohio.

“Getting our students interested in skilled trades from an early age will help our future workforce better prepare for the jobs of tomorrow while meeting growing industry needs,” said Roemer. “This investment is an opportunity for thousands of middle school students to learn valuable skills close to home.”

Patrick Scherer emphasized the importance of exposing young people to skilled trades early on: “Students and families are not aware of the opportunities available within the skilled trades. Providing hands-on learning opportunities during middle school can allow young people to start more advanced training during high school and launch into apprenticeship programs all while being paid and not incurring any student loan debt. Currently for every five skilled workers retiring there are only two entering the profession. This is a great opportunity for youth that are interested.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the legislation on June 28, creating additional opportunities for students to gain practical experience in multiple skilled trades.