VAN WERT, OH (9-17-25) – Nearly 500 freshmen and sophomores from across northwest Ohio explored hands-on career opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and the skilled trades during the Build Your Future Forward event at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, September 16.

Students from Crestview Local Schools, Lincolnview Local Schools, and Van Wert City Schools attended in the morning, while Parkway Local Schools, Paulding Exempted Village Schools, Antwerp Local Schools, and Wayne Trace Local Schools participated in the afternoon. The event featured interactive career stations led by Vantage Career Center students and staff, with support from local businesses and organizations including Danfoss, OhioHealth Van Wert, Paulding County Hospital, Alexander & Bebout Construction, Ayers Mechanical Group, ATR Contractors, OhioMeansJobs, Paulding Economic Development, and the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation.

Lauren Buchanan, Workforce Development Manager at the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation

“This event comes at a crucial time for students. Many of them were in late elementary or early middle school during the pandemic when they first heard the term ‘essential versus nonessential jobs.’ Today gave them the chance to see firsthand the kinds of essential, in-demand careers that keep our communities running and to imagine themselves in those roles.”

Rick Turner, superintendent at Vantage Career Center-

“Build Your Future Forward was not only about introducing younger students to career paths, but also about giving our seniors the chance to step up as mentors. It was inspiring to see them demonstrate their skills, answer questions, and guide the next generation toward opportunities they may not have considered before.”

By highlighting healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades, the event provided students with early exposure to some of the region’s most in-demand fields while building stronger connections between schools, training programs, and local employers.