As a child, Julie Sole remembers having diverse interests. One day she was building electrical circuits with her dad, and the next was writing multi-chapter stories about adventurous mice.

That time could be seen as a foreshadowing of her career in the manufacturing industry.

Sole grew up in Youngstown’s Brownlee Woods neighborhood and watched her dad’s career path morph over the years. He started in electrical engineering, then was a radio DJ, marketer, banker and eventually a business instructor at YSU for 20 years before retiring.

It was a firsthand look at how many directions a career can go – and planted seeds that would shape Sole’s own decisions.

“I loved storytelling just as much as I loved working with those little electrical kits,” she recalled. “The path was never clear-cut for me.”

However, those early tinkering sessions sparked a connection to how things work and the skills that can open doors.

Uncertainty still leads somewhere

During her high school years at Cardinal Mooney, Sole continued struggling to decide on a career path. Her dad suggested taking a focus test, which she did, but the result didn’t help much.

“My top two matches, which were writing and engineering, were almost identical in score. It just confirmed what I already knew – I had no idea which direction to go.”

Although she loved writing, upon graduation, she chose civil engineering because of the flexibility.

“There are a variety of areas – structures, environmental and geotechnical. I didn’t want to be boxed in, and this gave me options.”

Sole then pursued a bachelor’s degree at YSU, and while there, she got an internship at Vallourec as an engineering consultant.

Two years in, she was hired full-time as a continuous improvement analyst, which came with learning moments since her experience was limited in industrial engineering.

“In my interview, someone mentioned they had a black belt, and I made a karate joke. I didn’t realize at the time they were talking about Lean Six Sigma,” she said.

Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology used in manufacturing to boost efficiency and reduce waste. Sole earned that black belt status in 2014, plus got certified as a project management professional.

Challenges that create growth

In 2016, she was offered a role in managing capital investment projects at Vallourec. At first, she turned it down.

“I didn’t have a finance background, and I’m not a spreadsheet person. However, my boss told me it wasn’t just budgets, it was about bringing project management skills and engineering insight to the role.”

That shifted Sole’s perspective, and she accepted the position. Soon after, she found herself with more responsibility when her manager stepped away due to an illness – and later passed away.

“I didn’t feel ready, but I had to figure it out. That challenge changed everything for me.”  

Her interest in the bigger picture grew, and she went on to earn a master’s degree in business at YSU, which helped sharpen the financial and strategic skills she uses every day.

Five years later, she was promoted to North America CapEx manager, in charge of multi-million-dollar projects for Vallourec across the U.S. That opportunity then evolved into her current role as director of the North America CapEx office.

From plant upgrades to equipment installations, Sole keeps budgets and timelines on track and makes sure each project aligns with Vallourec’s long-term operational strategy. That involves frequent collaboration with international colleagues to get it done.

“I’ve gone from being nervous to speak in front of a few people to leading global calls. It’s been quite a journey,” she said.

Invested in industry and community

Beyond her work duties, Sole’s leadership extends to Vallourec’s community outreach program, which she helped launch. It connects employees to volunteer opportunities and local causes.

She also serves on the board for MVMC and Youngstown CityScape – and is part of the Leadership Mahoning Valley Class of 2025.

“It’s important to me to be involved in the community in ways that make a difference.”

That also includes participating in a number of MVMC-supported youth outreach events and presentations.

Sole has simple advice for young people when it comes to weighing options in manufacturing or STEM careers.

“You don’t have to be an expert on day one. Be curious. Be willing. That’s enough to get you going.”

Developing valuable skills is powerful, and she’s learned that through experience.

“Manufacturing isn’t just about machines – it’s solving problems, leading teams, improving systems and is full of possibilities.”

Sole’s story is proof that an uncertain start doesn’t mean a limited future. One thing is for sure, she won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

“I’ve grown a lot, but there’s still a lot to accomplish at Vallourec. I’m excited for what’s ahead for the company.”

Finding a career that offered stability and growth felt like an uphill battle for Zoe Smith.

Since graduating from Struthers in 2020, she worked various jobs, but each one left her feeling like there was little room for advancement. Zoe wanted something that would allow her to build a future.

“I knew I wanted to go into manufacturing, but I didn’t know how to get my foot in the door without schooling,” Zoe said.

It was through her mom’s friend that she learned about the WorkAdvance program, which is designed to connect individuals with careers in manufacturing.

After seeing what it had to offer, she decided to take the leap.

The power of WorkAdvance

Initially, Zoe was interested in welding and even practiced with a family friend’s equipment, but she wanted to explore possibilities before committing to a specific path. WorkAdvance gave her the opportunity to do just that.

Zoe’s decision to join the program paid off quickly. The training gave her hands-on, industry exposure.

Once completed, she earned the manufacturing technology: production associates-beginner credential. Aside from more skills, she gained a network of support.

“The best part was the connections, not just with the people in my class, but also the instructors, partners and employers who came in to talk about different jobs and opportunities.”

Finding opportunity at Gasser Chair

It was the WorkAdvance career coach from the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS) in Youngstown that introduced Zoe to Gasser Chair. The company manufactures high-quality seating products.

She got an interview, took a tour of the plant and was immediately comfortable with what she experienced.

“It felt like a family. I could see myself growing there.”

And she was right. Since starting in October 2024, Zoe quickly advanced to a highly skilled upholstery position.

The role typically takes a year to reach, and Zoe was promoted after just two weeks. That success didn’t go unnoticed.

“Upholstery is one of the most challenging jobs in our plant,” said Tony Brown, Director of HR at Gasser Chair. “For Zoe to master it in such a short time is truly impressive.”

Stability and future dreams

Aside from career growth, Zoe has found some financial freedom. Her wages increased from $16 to $23 an hour within a few months.

That jump provided her with the independence and ability to explore personal interests.

“I love traveling, so I’ve been able to start planning more trips.”

With a bright future ahead, Zoe plans to continue learning and expanding her horizons at Gasser Chair.

Welding is still on her radar, but for now she’s enjoying the journey in manufacturing and the doors that WorkAdvance opened for her.

“It helped me build confidence and showed me I wasn’t the only one trying to figure things out, and that made a big difference.”

After graduation, Vincent Infantino wasn’t sure what his next step in life would be. He had just moved to Warren from Pennsylvania and was in search of a career path.

While weighing the options, he got wind of WorkAdvance.

“My mom ended up finding the program online that’s held in Warren, so I took the opportunity and enrolled myself,” he said.

Vincent was accepted into the July 2024 cohort.

WorkAdvance delivers the goods

From the beginning, WorkAdvance allowed him to feel like he was on the right path. The support he received from instructors was unlike anything he’d experienced before.

“Everyone was very nice. The instructors are always willing to help. If you have a question, they’ll come over, sit down next to you and break the problem down for you.”

The training covered both technical skills and job readiness. Vincent said he always felt comfortable in the classes and knew this opportunity was leading him toward something bigger.

He was right. At the end of the program, he had multiple job offers on the table.

Vincent also obtained the manufacturing technology: production associates-beginner credential.

“I ended up picking Jet Stream International because they had the best benefits, and it was the best fit for me,” he said.

Thriving at Jet Stream International

Jet Stream, located in Niles, saw Vincent’s potential right away. His supervisor says Vincent is “determined and hardworking”, and that’s something he’s proving to the company every day.

His first role was as a robotic welder, a skill he learned in high school. Since going to the midnight shift, he’s now working in fabrication and taking on other roles as needed.

“Everybody is very kind in the business. I’ve honestly never had people this kind in the workplace before.”

The stability has been life-changing. Within several months, he’s gone from job hunting to financial security.

“This job leaves me in an amazing financial state. I make more than enough money for my age.”

A career with perks

Beyond a great paycheck, Jet Stream offers incredible benefits. Vincent praised the company for taking care of its workers – something he feels every day.

“The benefits are amazing. There’s medical, dental and eye care.”

He’s also building for his future. The company’s 401(k) plan and bonus checks give him extra peace of mind.

“You get two bonus checks annually on top of holiday bonuses. The longer you’re there, the bigger they get.”

Vincent’s advice: Just go for it

WorkAdvance changed the game for Vincent. He knows firsthand what it can do for others who are unsure about their next step.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’m doing right now without this program. I don’t know where I’d be working if it wasn’t for WorkAdvance.”

For anyone on the fence about joining, his message is clear. Don’t overthink it—just take the leap.

“It’s always okay to ask. The only dumb question is the one that you don’t ask.”

Vincent went from uncertain to unstoppable. WorkAdvance helped him find not just a job, but a future in manufacturing.

If a list existed of people who are pillars of resilience and second chances, you would find Ta’Keyla Clayton’s name written on it. She credits WorkAdvance for giving her an opportunity to start over as an operator at Dinesol Plastics in Youngstown.

Clayton was working somewhere else when she heard about the program from a co-worker.

“He was saying good things about WorkAdvance, and he gave me the number for the career coach at the National Center for Urban Solutions, so I contacted him,” she said.

After giving about a month’s notice to her employer at the time, she joined the October 2023 cohort in Youngstown.

“My job before was sort of manufacturing, so I was familiar, but this seemed like a step towards growth and gaining more knowledge.”

She benefitted from the technical training, but Clayton was more surprised by her personal growth through WorkAdvance.

“The cohort always worked together and fed off each other when there were issues. We learned everybody’s weaknesses and strengths, and we could talk and help each other during the struggles. There was no judgment – just a lot of support.”

Facing and conquering challenges

After completing the program, she was hired at Dinesol in January 2024.

However, getting to that point was a bit rocky. A timing issue caused the first interview to be rescheduled. The second time, she showed up late. Reliable transportation remains her biggest challenge.

“I asked her what was going on, and I saw she needed a chance to help herself with everything she has going on. I just believed in her from the beginning,” said Krystal Schulz, HR manager, Dinesol Plastics.

Clayton’s mom gives her a ride to work most days but also battles serious health issues. That sometimes throws off Clayton’s schedule – mainly if she’s working on the weekend.

“I’ll usually just scramble to find a ride. As long as it’s not Sunday, I can take the bus,” she said.

Although she lives in Youngstown, a bus ride means an hour (or more) commute versus a 12-minute drive. It’s not affecting her work, though.

“Her attendance is great. She’s continuously making it happen. You’d never know there were any issues happening,” Schulz said.

Clayton admits the journey hasn’t been easy, but she’s grateful for the opportunity to prove herself.

“Krystal was understanding and worked with me, and I’m very considerate of that.”

Growth with confidence

Aside from being an operator, she’s back up for quality assurance and training to be on the floor. Schulz says not many people get this far.

“I appreciate her, and I’m very proud. A lot of people give up, and don’t keep trying. I hope she sees herself the way I do. We hope to keep her for a long time.”

Clayton credits WorkAdvance for becoming more confident and a better communicator.

“The class had team building. You have to listen to people and step forward to learn how to work with others.”

Those skills will follow her to any job – even though she doesn’t plan to leave Dinesol anytime soon. She’s finding more financial freedom as well.

“I’m trying to get my own place and find something closer to the plant to make it easier to get back and forth to work.”

Despite that challenge, she says WorkAdvance is a good fit for anyone needing to improve their situation.

“Just try it. If you can’t find a job, or need a new job, you’ll get help through it and get to talk with people in different situations and circumstances. It helps you grow as a person,” Clayton said.

At a time when Ja’Tice Provitt was searching for career consistency, he saw a WorkAdvance flyer posted on social media by Warren Forward. It’s one of the organizations that MVMC partnered with to get the program up and running in Trumbull County.

Provitt, who’s 46, took advantage of the opportunity and joined the first-ever cohort held in Warren in December 2023 at Trumbull Community Action Program.

Faith in the process

“I was doing mostly landscaping before going to WorkAdvance. I needed steady work, so this seemed like an opportunity to get that going. I took a leap of faith,” he said.

When that happened, Provitt never gave up.

“I was a little overwhelmed at first. I was rusty with the math, but they walked us through it and helped us out. I dusted the cobwebs off.”

He says the career coaching is also helpful. Participants learn about good communication, workplace behavior and get assistance with removing barriers to employment.

Hard work reaps rewards

After completing WorkAdvance, Provitt interviewed with Liberty Steel Industries in Warren and was hired in February 2024 in packaging.

“My day starts at 5 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., or it could go to 3:30 p.m. It depends on the orders for the day,” he said. “Some days it’s way more than others, and you’re constantly going.”

Provitt says his new manufacturing career has been a good change and brings peace of mind.

“Like health care. I’m getting older, and I needed something I could rely on. I don’t have time to sit around and think. I’m completely occupied when I’m here. Then, when I leave, I can go do my landscaping, too.”

He now has more financial freedom with a regular paycheck and making money from his business.

“Doing this was worth it. I’m trying to incorporate both jobs. Now, I don’t have to worry about winter time and making ends meet.”

Thinking ahead

Provitt is satisfied with his career path, but he’s open to learning new skills to advance within Liberty Steel.

“I want to eventually train on the slitter. That’s a pretty interesting job. However, I would like to be able to learn everything.”

The slitter takes a coil of aluminum or steel and cuts it into specified lengths and widths as it runs through the machine.

Support and encouragement

WorkAdvance has launched Provitt forward in life, and it’s something he highly recommends to anyone who needs a new start.

“It’s for the betterment of yourself, so go for it.”

He gets a lot of support from his eight children. The oldest is 30, and the youngest is 11.

They also understand and acknowledge what he’s accomplished.

“I get ‘I’m proud of you dad’ and texts sometimes. One day, I got a message, and I had to go into the bathroom to get myself together. That was a good one from my 26-year-old son. He made me feel good.”

There’s no doubt the WorkAdvance program is changing lives. For those hesitating to go through the program, Provitt has some last words of encouragement.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it. You have nothing to lose.”

Business started in 1906 by delivering bread door-to-door to 40 homes in Youngstown. Now, more than a century later, Schwebel Baking Company produces almost a quarter of a million packages of bread and buns every day.

Schwebel’s has bakeries on Midlothian Boulevard in Youngstown and in Hebron, Ohio. There are 17 distribution centers across Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. From there, trucks take products to customers around the region.

Great Opportunities

The company makes a variety of breads and buns and has its sights set on future growth.

“We have a great legacy and are continuing that path with excellent momentum and improvements in operational processes, equipment, lean manufacturing, and people initiatives such as relaunching our mission, values, and a deliberate people strategy,” said Melinda Rombold, Director of Human Resources. “Schwebel’s delivers nourishing products to your table with it’s over 700 employees.”

However, like many other manufacturers, the company continues to grapple with an evolving workforce.

“Society is changing, workforce is changing, everything is changing,” she said. “We have to know and acknowledge that and make sure we’re attracting and keeping good employees.” 

Strengthening the workforce through MVMC

Those are reasons why Rombold believes being part of MVMC is important to the company.

“Organizations like this can help when we need additional, creative resources and partnerships to do things we need to do.”

The Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber first put her in contact with MVMC, and after that, Schwebel’s became a member.

“Partnering with an organization like MVMC can be a great benefit. There are like-minded individuals and community partnerships. It’s good for the area, employees and companies at the same time,” Rombold said.

Schwebel’s is currently looking to hire and is excited about the WorkAdvance program to help fill open positions.

“Since the end of the pandemic, we have been very busy and working to stabilize operations and the workforce. Plus, summer is our busy bun season. When we don’t have enough staff, we have people working overtime and/or six to seven days a week,” she said.

Rombold also explained that our employees’ input on production improvements and culture is key, so a survey was recently conducted to gain production employee insights.

“As the workforce evolves, so must we. We’re excited to be part of MVMC because it’s one of the groups already doing that.”