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.”

If there’s an example of how manufacturing and construction can blend, look no further than Pantheon Innovative Builders. The company’s plan for 3D printed housing could revolutionize the industry.

Pantheon Innovative Builders is new to the area and making big moves to change housing options in the Mahoning Valley and across the country. The concepts are there, and the company is getting close to turning their hopes into reality.

“We need to design a pathway to meet workers where they are. We’ve done some work in Columbus and New Mexico. We’re begging to do something here, but we have to close that gap,” said Ryan Kelly, owner, Pantheon Innovative Builders.

Kelly points out that with the U.S. housing crisis, it’s never been more important to build affordable, secure living spaces.

“In Ohio alone, we’d need 15,000 housing units built every year for the next 10 years in order to keep up,” he said.

Bridging the gap through MVMC
Kelly believes construction can benefit from taking a manufacturing approach. Most recently, he noted the supply chain battle, which affects efficiency across the board. His effort to bridge the gap between the two industries was a direct push to join MVMC.

“Partnership is important. We’re better together, and that’s our philosophy. We want to work and show our added value. We know manufacturing is growing, so we want to learn what we can,” Kelly said.

Prior to becoming a member, he heard about MVMC regularly through various community connections, news articles and social media.

“I love the work MVMC does and the way the organization approaches workforce issues. It’s not just about throwing money at something. There’s an understanding of what’s happening out there, and things are getting done,” Kelly said.

Partnerships make things happen
If any business understands how partnerships help get things done, it’s Pantheon. The company wouldn’t be where it is today without them.

Pantheon is partners with the Ohio State University Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) and COBOD – the world leader in 3D construction printing. Pantheon had the printer delivered to CDME in January 2023. This allows for research and testing of the technology.

“Organizations like CDME and COBOD continue to have impact on the additive manufacturing/3D printing industry worldwide. This helps us create a model to reimagine, retrain and recruit the future workforce,” Kelly said.

He says despite some challenges, 3D printed construction also has advantages like time efficiency, safety and less impact on the environment.

Kelly also believes in the partnership with America Makes to advance research and development of 3D printed home construction.

“America Makes deals with billions of dollars in federal funding. It’s going to bring manufacturing back here, and not enough people know about it. We have what’s needed to come back as an area built on manufacturing. We just need to utilize these things,” he said.

Evolving the next generation
Reaching young people is another priority for Pantheon. The company’s partner, non-profit organization, Evolve Innovation Center, is led by Bryant Youngblood, the chief workforce and education officer. He’s been in education for years before working for Pantheon and Evolve.

Part of Evolve’s mission is conducting workshops and training students with 3D printing curriculum. The YMCA in downtown Youngstown is one of the places that benefits from this program. Groups of students took part in an 11-week course over the summer.

Youngblood wants to reach as many kids as possible – especially inner-city youth that might not otherwise have the opportunity.

“We’ve had great participation. We use the Tinkercad program for 3D printing designs in the class, which is an AutoCAD system for beginners,” Youngblood said.

There are also more advanced programs available. High school students can even go on to earn credentials recognized by the Ohio Department of Education through Evolve.

“Many of these kids have the capabilities but don’t always have the best support system,” Kelly said. CAD is the future. It’s almost like the typing class of the past. No matter what field you go into, technology is going to be the future.”

The summer classes at the YMCA were packed, and the hope is to continue the program and expand the number of sessions.

“We’re trying to change the script for some kids that will likely have a tougher time than others getting into the industry. Even if they don’t go into construction, it feeds a greater scope because they can go do other things with their skills,” Kelly added.

The end goal is to expose kids to all opportunities which will help develop the future workforce.

Hopes for local 3D housing
As for Pantheon’s goals, the company has a “first order of business” for 3D housing plans in the area.

“We want to build mission-based, homeless housing, places for pregnant mothers and long-term homeownership. The interest is there, we just need to generate funding and partners to make it happen,” Kelly said.

Youngblood says the interest outside the Mahoning Valley is a little more inviting, but he remains hopeful more people will come around to accept the idea.

“We feel that being part of MVMC, we can introduce people to this and expedite our effort.” 

It’s safe to say that manufacturing and the trades have been a part of Amelia Roberts’ life since she can remember. Growing up, her family demonstrated the importance of hard work.  

“My family is nothing but construction workers, truck drivers and welders, but I always wanted to be in manufacturing in some way,” Amelia said.

She’s married with a three-year-old and lives in Lisbon next to her parents who own a farm and run a trucking company. Being busy and working with her hands is familiar territory.

“I know hard work. I put everything into what I do. I’m used to fast-paced learning, and I still try to absorb everything I can,” she said.

“Brazing” career paths

During high school, Amelia enrolled at Columbiana County Career and Technical Center for welding. After graduation, she started working for Compco as a production welder and fabricator.

Compco acquired Quaker Manufacturing in Salem in 2017 – which is now CQL Manufacturing. That’s where Amelia has been working for the last five years.

She’s been successful with welding but wanted to switch things up and train to be a die maintenance technician (DMT). That led her to the registered apprenticeship program for machining and taking classes at CCCTC.

“Machining has everything I want to learn – like dealing with different types of metals and tools, working on presses, being able to diagnose issues and how to fix those issues,” Amelia said. “It’s a lot of repair work and running machines like the surface grinder, lathe, mill, hand tools and other conventional tools.”

Tool and die makers construct precision tools or metal forms, called dies, that are used to cut, shape and form metal and other materials. They produce devices that hold metal while it’s bored, stamped or drilled.

“If something breaks down, or there’s a problem with the steel, you’d have to fix it by using whatever the best process would be. It’s pretty much like a mechanic, but instead of cars, I work on dies,” she said.

Amelia enjoys the variety of the job and the fact she’s always learning new skills.

“It makes your brain work a little more. I have fantastic mentors. They’re smart, and they’ve been doing this stuff for a long time, so they help me out quite a bit,” she said.

Apprenticeship expectations

She was the only new apprentice in the fall of 2023.

“I was surprised there was no one else, but it also means more one-on-one time with the instructor,” Amelia said.

The apprenticeship takes two years to complete. The classes at CCCTC are two days a week for three hours. Amelia was able to start working in tool and die over the summer and is grateful for the little bit of experience with machines before moving into the program.

MVMC offers a registered apprenticeship in machining for its members. There is an upfront cost, but most of the training is eligible for reimbursement by the state. Compco has been able to fill talent gaps for the last few years by participating. It’s only offered to employees in good standing who are willing to commit to the process.

For Amelia, that isn’t a problem. She’s a dedicated, loyal employee.

“I’ve been with the same company since high school. I don’t plan on going anywhere. The atmosphere is good, the people are good, and everyone seems to get along here,” she said.

Confidence, courage and conquering goals

As a woman in manufacturing, she says CQL has a good work culture and feels supported. Amelia is also confident in her abilities. She encourages other women not to feel intimidated by this kind of work.

“You’ve got to know the basics, but there are people to help you out with everything,” she said.

Her average day starts at 5 a.m. working on dies. If a press call comes through, she immediately attends to that.

“Production is the most important, so we stop what we’re doing to figure out what’s going on with the press. Sometimes it’s a changeover,” Amelia said.  

There are some awkward aspects of the job, too.

“I literally had to lie down on a die inside a press for a repair. You just never know what the day will bring, but we’re constantly moving and doing something different,” she said.

No matter what, she keeps the end goal in mind.

“I’ll learn more skills, get a NIMS certificate, and I want to be a pro at this kind of stuff. I want to know exactly what to do when problems arise. I also want to help future apprentices, too,” she said.

Amelia has long-term goals as well.

“I’d love to be an engineer – whether it’s welding or another type of engineer in manufacturing,” she said.

She’s also grateful for her family’s support on her career journey.

“Family is big for me, and they’re loving what I’m doing.”

For more information on MVMC’s registered apprenticeship program, contact Alex Hertzer.