CARROLL, OH – More than 50 Fairfield County high school students and their parents attended the Fairfield County Workforce Center’s Fall Parents’ Information Night on Aug. 27, where they explored career pathways, met with instructors and toured the facility.
The event gave families an opportunity to learn more about the Workforce Center’s no-cost pre-apprenticeship programs available to high school seniors. Throughout the evening, students and parents asked questions, spoke directly with program instructors and learned more about the hands-on training and career opportunities available through the Workforce Center.
Rick Szabrak, director of Economic and Workforce Development for Fairfield County, and Karie Stone, Workforce Specialist, provided an overview of the Workforce Center and its programs, helping families better understand the opportunities available to students as they prepare for their senior year and beyond.
“We were pleased to welcome so many students and parents to the Workforce Center and give them the opportunity to see firsthand what these programs have to offer,” Szabrak said. “For many families, seeing the training spaces, meeting our instructors and asking questions helps bring these opportunities to life. Our goal is to help students explore career paths that interest them and provide them with the skills, credentials and connections they need to take the next step toward a successful career.”
The pathway to employment was evident this past spring when 58 students of the Workforce Center’s 2026 graduating class gained employment in their chosen fields.
Established in 2020 through a collaborative partnership between the Fairfield County Commissioners, Ohio University Lancaster, The Russ College of Engineering and Technology, and Hocking College, the Fairfield County Workforce Center prepares students for in-demand careers while helping meet the workforce needs of local employers.
Students receive hands-on instruction in phlebotomy, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, industrial technology and wastewater management, with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications through the Workforce Center’s partnerships with Ohio University and Hocking College. Students remain enrolled at and graduate from their home high school while gaining valuable skills and experience that can lead to higher education or employment.
If students missed the information night, they may still enroll in the Workforce Center’s Discovery Days in September. This provides students an opportunity to participate in activities in their programs of interest to decide if they’d like to attend the Workforce Center this year. Students can talk to their school’s Career Navigators or Counselors to register.
For more information about the Fairfield County Workforce Center and its programs, email [email protected]. Or visit the website at www.fairfieldcountyworkforce.com.
