Choffin Career and Technical Center’s new advanced manufacturing lab is a major step forward in preparing future generations for the workforce, and MVMC helped make it possible.
The media was invited to an official unveiling ceremony on August 27. Through funding from the state, MVMC contributed $10,000 to relocate AMATROL equipment from East, Chaney and Wilson high schools and transform an old storage space into a state-of-the-art lab.
Where learning gets real
At least 35 seniors and 15 juniors are enrolled in the program for the 2025-2026 school year. They’re getting hands-on, high-tech training in areas like robotics, pneumatics, electrical and programmable logic controls (PLC).
“Youngstown has been a little bit of a desert with the advanced manufacturing side of our industry,” said Dr. Michael Saville, director, Choffin Career and Technical Center. “Bringing this under the career-tech umbrella gives it the full support, structure and accountability it deserves and connect students to the industry.”
MVMC exists to strengthen the education-to-workforce connection.
“When you talk to manufacturers, their biggest need is people who can keep machines running, who understand how to troubleshoot and improve operations. That’s what this lab is all about,” said Alex Hertzer, MVMC Executive Director.
The course was originally offered in the Youngstown schools as a 45-minute elective. Now, that’s changing with the program at Choffin.
“We now have two-and-a-half-hour sessions,” said Jim Alexi, lab instructor. “We have time to teach the skills that really stick, and these students are getting job ready.”
Skills that meet the moment
Students can earn industry-recognized credentials that help them stand out in the job market.
Hertzer added that mid-skill careers, such as maintenance technicians and entry-level engineers, are vital to production lines.
“The skills students are going to learn in this room are cross-cutting sectors. Whether it’s food production, steel or aerospace, these are capabilities that employers need right now,” he said.
The lab is more than just a classroom. It’s a working replica of a modern shop floor with equipment that technicians would use every day.
Along with the concepts of Industry 4.0, students are getting lessons beyond that.
“We’re moving toward Industry 5.0, incorporating artificial intelligence into these systems,” said Patrick Dinapoli, lab instructor. “Students are getting early exposure to the technologies that will define the next generation of manufacturing.”
Education to workforce connection
MVMC members are also intrigued by the lab. Representatives from Schwebel’s were there to check out the space and expressed the desire to engage with students going through the program.
“We need this generation to understand what work means and looks like,” said Melinda Rombold, HR director, Schwebel’s. “Workforce development is so critical, and not just on the technical side. We spend a lot of time talking about job readiness, and programs like this are exactly what we need.”
Creating a direct pipeline from the classroom to career has never been more urgent, and MVMC is committed to that effort.
“We couldn’t pass up the chance to support a program like this,” Hertzer said.
While it’s been a great start for Choffin, leaders are looking ahead to a promising future.
“We’re actively promoting the program and expect enrollment to grow in the coming years as more students see the opportunities this training opens up,” Saville said.
