MOUNT VERNON – Knox County Career Center hosted a Skilled Trades Union Career Fair with representation from seven unions: Operating Engineers Local 18, Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, Sheet Metal Workers Local 24, Laborers District Council of Ohio, Painters & Allied Trades District Council 6, Ironworkers Local Union 172 and Electrical Workers Local 688.

The Skilled Trades Union Fair gave KCCC students from building trades, metal fabrication, landscape design and management, collision repair, automotive technology, precision machining, careers in construction trades, computer network technology and digital media and software development programs an opportunity to learn about apprenticeships and training opportunities through a skilled trades union. Some unions offer pathways for pre-apprenticeship programs while students are still in school, and all unions highlight apprenticeship opportunities after graduation. Both opportunities allow students to be employed and receive training to “earn while they learn." 

As an apprentice, individuals can obtain college credit toward an associate's degree. Zack Mayle, a KCCC alumnus 2020 from the metal fabrication welding program, is part of the Ironworkers Union Local 172 and returned to KCCC to support the event.