East Liverpool High School Job Training Program

1. East Liverpool High School Job Training Program EAST LIVERPOOL — For the 15th year, students in the Job Training Program at East Liverpool High School and the employers who hire and train them were recognized at an annual breakfast held at the New Castle School of Trades downtown, which was added this year as a new job site. Instructor Gregg Harding told those gathered, “Today’s event would not be possible without the belief that others care about making a difference for our students.” Harding offered an update on the program for this year, saying the greatest achievement has been the continuation of a school plastics recycling program started by students. Through the program, receptacles have been set up in the cafeteria with a daily pick up in classrooms that participate in recycling. Two students in the Job Training Program have obtained employment during the year, while others have earned promotions at their existing jobs, according to Harding, who said some students in the program have also enrolled in college coursework. He said students continue the expanded use of technology, frequently utilizing computers for classroom tasks such as research, word processing and specific job training skills and said that students next year will be able to access various online curriculum programs as well as their current choices.

2. Employers who participate by hiring and training students in the Job Training Program were also recognized, with Harding saying, “Our employers and their staffs give our students the first opportunity to become independent, self- sufficient individuals. You coach our students while getting your own work accomplished.” Harding praised the employers for changing their schedules, providing employee mentors, role model employability skills, advice and making accommodations that match students’ skills, interests and abilities. “You remind them that they need to set goals that are high, yet realistic,” Harding told the employers, adding, “Without you, employment opportunities for our students would be limited. Students can showcase the valuable skills that they can bring to the workforce.” Those businesses that serve as employers for students in the program include Catholic Charities, Calcutta Health Care Center, East Liverpool City Schools, East Liverpool City Hospital, Community Resource Center, EDI South, Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association, Midland Borough School District, New Castle School of Trade, First Free Methodist Church, Heritage Thermal Services, Way Station and YMCA. Becky Jordan announced New Castle School of Trade as Employer of the Year, with the award accepted by Bill Johnson. Jordan said when asked if their students could come to work at NCST, “They said absolutely, without hesitation or need to persuade…not only does this organization help our students, but it is clear the organization has been a welcome addition to the community by providing and teaching individuals to learn valuable career skills.” Erica