At Lorain County Joint Vocational School (LCJVS), workforce development doesn't begin after graduation. It begins while students are still in high school, gaining industry experience, earning wages, and contributing to businesses across Northeast Ohio. With 81 students already participating in early job placement opportunities across 67 local employers and more than 1,900 hours of work-based learning documented, LCJVS is demonstrating the power of connecting emerging talent directly with industry.

These early school-year outcomes build upon a summer internship program that generated more than $640,000 in gross student earnings and over 46,000 hours of industry experience, involving more than 130 students and 100 regional employers. Together, the outcomes represent more than student achievement. They reflect an expanding workforce development strategy designed to strengthen the region's talent pipeline, support employers, and create meaningful economic opportunity.

A Workforce Development Strategy Built Around Opportunity

At LCJVS, the pathway from technical preparation to employment is intentional.

During the summer, students gain experience through paid internships with regional employers. As the school year begins, eligible seniors transition into early job placement, applying their technical skills in authentic workplace environments while continuing their high school experience.

By March and April, the focus advances to official employment offers and commitments, celebrated through LCJVS's annual Signing Day.

This progression creates a continuous connection between students, employers, and career opportunities.

Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent and CEO of Lorain County JVS, emphasized the importance of aligning talent development with regional economic needs. "Our responsibility extends beyond preparing students for graduation. We are developing talent, aligning with employers, and creating pathways to opportunities that strengthen the workforce and drive economic growth. From summer internships to early job placement and Signing Day, we are demonstrating what is possible when industry and career-technical training work together." For employers facing workforce shortages and evolving industry demands, the model provides an opportunity to engage emerging talent earlier, build relationships with prospective employees, and strengthen long-term workforce planning.

Summer Internships Deliver Measurable Economic Impact

The impact of LCJVS's employer-connected approach was on full display during the district's Summer Internship Celebration, held September 23 at Lorain County Community College's Spitzer Conference Center.

The celebration brought together more than 400 students, families, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners to recognize the accomplishments of students and the employers investing in their futures.

Throughout the summer, participating students gained experience across manufacturing, construction, transportation, healthcare, technology, and other career fields critical to Northeast Ohio's economy.

The results were significant: • More than 130 students completed summer internships. • More than 100 regional employers supported internship experiences. • Students contributed more than 46,000 hours in the workplace. • Students collectively earned more than $640,000 in gross wages.

For Megan Champagne, Principal of Lorain County JVS High School, the outcomes reflect both the technical preparation students receive and their ability to contribute in professional environments.

"Our students are not waiting until graduation to demonstrate their capabilities. They are entering workplaces with technical skills, professionalism, and the confidence to contribute. The relationships they build through summer internships often open doors to early job placement and long-term employment opportunities."

The celebration also underscored the role of employers as active partners in developing the next generation of skilled professionals.

Early Job Placement: 81 Students, 67 Employers, One Growing Talent Pipeline

As the 2026–27 school year progresses, the momentum continues.

LCJVS has documented 81 students participating in early job placement with 67 local employers, representing 1,904 hours of work-based learning.

These students are applying their technical skills in real workplaces while gaining valuable experience, professional connections, and exposure to career opportunities.

From industrial electricity and HVAC to manufacturing and other skilled trades, early job placement creates opportunities for students to strengthen their technical abilities while contributing directly to employer operations.

Mathias Hauck, Strategist, Workforce at LCJVS, described the importance of sustained employer engagement.

"Early job placement is where preparation and opportunity come together. We are working directly with employers to identify workforce needs, connect students with meaningful opportunities, and support their transition into employment. These partnerships create value for businesses today while developing the skilled workforce they will need tomorrow."

The early job placement model also provides employers with an opportunity to evaluate prospective talent, invest in skill development, and establish relationships that can lead to permanent employment.

For students, it creates a clearer pathway from high school to the workforce.

Recognizing the People and Partnerships Behind the Outcomes

A highlight of the Summer Internship Celebration was the recognition of students, instructors, and employer partners whose contributions exemplify the strength of LCJVS's workforce development model.

Student Recognition

Ashlyn Derodes — Rookie of the Year

A junior in Precision Machine Technology, Ashlyn completed her internship with NN Inc. in Wellington. Her recognition reflects the initiative, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by emerging talent entering the workforce early in their technical training.

Lillian Teitelbaum — Talent, Senior of the Year

An HVAC senior, Lillian was recognized for her outstanding internship experience with Rudolph Libbe Group. Her commitment to learning, professionalism, and workplace readiness demonstrated the value of connecting skilled students with established industry partners.

Instructor and Workforce Partnership Recognition

Susan Pohorence — Instructor, Rookie of the Year

Susan was recognized for her contributions to connecting students with industry opportunities and supporting employer relationships that advance work-based learning.

David Rudisill, Masonry; David Morgan, HVAC; and Bill Kuhn, Industrial Electricity — Employer Engagement and Internship Excellence

These instructors were recognized for their commitment to building employer partnerships, supporting meaningful internship experiences, and ensuring students are prepared to meet industry expectations.

Employer Impact Award — Luxury Heating Company

A multigenerational, family-owned business, Luxury Heating Company exemplifies the lasting impact of employer-connected talent development.

With approximately 60% of its workforce consisting of LCJVS graduates, the company has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to hiring emerging talent, providing work-based learning opportunities, and supporting the district's workforce development initiatives.

These recognitions reinforce a central message: strong workforce outcomes are made possible through committed students, dedicated instructors, and employers willing to invest in the next generation.

A Regional Approach to Talent and Economic Growth

The significance of these outcomes extends beyond Lorain County.

Across Northeast Ohio, employers are responding to changing workforce demands, emerging technologies, and the need for skilled professionals in critical industries.

LCJVS's partnerships with regional businesses and economic development organizations help align career pathways with those evolving needs.

Natasha Cresap, Regional Talent Manager at Team NEO, highlighted the importance of connecting industry demand with workforce preparation.

"Northeast Ohio's economic competitiveness depends on our ability to develop, attract, and retain skilled talent. Programs that connect students with employers through internships and early employment experiences help strengthen our regional talent pipeline and create opportunities for both businesses and individuals."

These collaborations demonstrate how career-technical institutions can serve as strategic partners in regional workforce development, connecting employers with talent while supporting broader economic growth.

Rex Engle, President of the Lorain County JVS Board of Education, recognized the importance of continued investment in student success and employer partnerships.

"The Board of Education is proud of the opportunities being created for our students and the meaningful relationships Lorain County JVS continues to build with regional employers. These outcomes reflect a commitment to preparing students for successful careers while strengthening the communities and businesses we serve."

From Internships to Signing Day: Building What's Next

The workforce development journey does not end when summer internships conclude.

Throughout the fall and winter, students continue building their professional experience through early job placement opportunities. As March and April approach, LCJVS works with employers and students to advance official employment offers and commitments.

These milestones culminate in Signing Day, where students are recognized for taking their next steps into the workforce.

The approach represents a shift from measuring participation alone to demonstrating meaningful outcomes: workplace experience, wages earned, employer engagement, and employment opportunities.

Mario Codispoti, Director of Communications and Workforce Development at LCJVS, emphasized the broader significance of the district's work.

"When we talk about workforce development, we are talking about people, opportunity, and the economic future of our region. Our summer internship outcomes, early job placement growth, and employer commitments are interconnected. Together, they demonstrate how Lorain County JVS is moving talent into industry, strengthening businesses, and helping power Northeast Ohio's economy."

As the district continues expanding employer partnerships and strengthening industry-aligned pathways, its focus remains on creating opportunities that benefit both students and the regional workforce. For Lorain County JVS, the message is clear: workforce development is not a single program, event, or milestone. It is a continuous investment in talent, employers, and economic opportunity.

 

Skilled for Today. Ready for Tomorrow.

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