The New Castle School of Trades Career Fair was a smash hit, drawing over 500 job seekers, students, graduates, and their families to the school’s main campus for its 10th annual celebration.
More than 100 area employers, recruiters, and local business leaders were in attendance on March 19, giving job seekers the opportunity to speak directly to employers who have openings and opportunities for skilled workers across the region.
WATCH: NCST School Director Dennis Corrado Discusses the Career Fair During an Appearance on WFMJ 21
The free public event ran from 10 am to 3 pm at NCST’s facility at 4117 Pulaski Rd., in New Castle, PA., serving communities from Youngstown, Ohio to North Pittsburgh.
Attendees networked directly with industry representatives, spoke with employers ready to hire immediately, gathered information about training opportunities in the skilled trades, and got to get a look at NCST’s New Castle campus.
Event Showcases Skilled Trades Jobs Pennsylvania Employers Need
Employers from across the region participated in the NCST Career Fair, representing industries desperately seeking electricians, truck drivers, HVAC service technicians, heavy equipment operators, and machinists.
The NCST Career Fair has become a cornerstone event that demonstrates the real-world value of hands-on training. Many companies conducted on-the-spot interviews and extended job offers to qualified candidates.
“The response was incredible,” said NCST School Director Dennis Corrado. “There are great companies all around the area looking for workers across the skilled trades. A lot of people got a first-hand look at the incredible opportunities available in the trades and helped them in their decisions toward a successful, well-paying future.”
More than 200 High School Students Attended
More than 200 high school students also attended to discuss opportunities in the trades as a future career path.
The trades are becoming increasingly popular with recent high school graduates, something Dennis Corrado said continues to make a future in the trades a bright one.
“Coming out of COVID, people started realizing it is okay to do something different, so they’re not sitting in the basement paying 50 grand a year doing homework. In the trades, within 12 to 15 months you can be starting a new career.”
Building Careers Through Real Connections
The event highlighted the effectiveness of trade school job placement programs, with many NCST graduates securing positions with regional employers. The hands-on learning environment, knowledgeable instructors, and modern equipment that have established NCST as a community institution were on display throughout the day.
Founded in 1945, NCST has served the New Castle, Pennsylvania community for more than 75 years, offering programs in areas including:
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Repair
- Motorcycle and Power Equipment Technology
- Building Technology
- Industrial Electro-Mechanical Technology
- Welding
- Truck driving
Among the oldest and most respected trade schools in Pennsylvania, NCST continues to build careers through authentic, hands-on training that prepares students for real-world success.
Employers who attended include regional leaders such as Vogel Holding, Inc, Ellwood Group, Flynn’s Tire and Service, Preston Automotive, #1 Cochran, Tenaris Steel, Siemens Energy, P I & I Motor periodExpress, Inc, Konecranes, CCL Container, Local 33 Sheetmetal, and many others.
Taking the First Step Toward Building a Future
The success of the 10th annual career fair shows that skilled trades offer stable, rewarding career paths. NCST can help you build the skills to find career success in the trades.