The Builder's Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania; Western Reserve Building Trades; Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull Educational Service Centers; and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Foundation are partnering to host the first Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo of Sept. 26 to give students in our region an opportunity to experience a variety of skills and talk to industry professionals about a pathway into the skilled trades.

To showcase a pathway for a future career, students attending can expect interactive displays from the skilled trades and state-of-the-art construction equipment simulators. Prizes, giveaways and lunch will be provided for all attending.

"Our industry leaders in the skilled trades have partnered to bring this impactful event to the Mahoning Valley. Students will have the opportunity to experience the industry firsthand by doing... not just seeing," said Gary Hartman, association services director at the Builder's Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

In addition, Jessi Combs, a native from the Black Hills of Rapid City, South Dakota, and a metal fabricator by trade, will keynote during the event. The automotive enthusiast, off-road extraordinaire and fastest woman on four wheels has been teaching her skills to millions of people on television for several years. She empowers many through the act of simply leading by example. Combs' desire to show more women, youth and men alike that they, too, can build their ideas, go fast, get dirty, have fun and still be true to themselves, shines through everything she does in life. For more information, visit jessicombs.com.

The Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Canfield Fairgrounds and is open to students in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Mercer and Lawrence counties. For more information about the Expo, visit mvskilledtrades.com. For sponsorship information, contact Gary Hartman at the Builder's Association at 330-539-6050