Article via The Beacon | OAK HARBOR – Addison Overmyer is going to follow in her father’s footsteps, and the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy paved the path to make that possible. On May 15, Overmyer was among 30 students who graduated from the Ottawa County Workforce Hub, which is comprised of the Skilled Trades Academy and the Ottawa County Healthcare Careers Academy. With her diploma in hand, Overmyer will pursue a career as an electrician. Her father inspired her passion for skilled trades.
“I’m following in my father’s footsteps. He’s an operator. I was going to do that, but he told me it’s too hard on your body,” Overmyer said.
While attending the Skilled Trades Academy, Overmyer was exposed to many trades, and the practical skills she learned allowed her explore various career options. She settled on the electrical trades.
“I liked learning new things and doing hands-on activities at the academy,” she said.
Although Overmyer’s father inspired her career path, her instructor, Nick Hendrickson, guided her to her future goal.
“He was really helpful. He leads us where we should be,” Overmyer said. “He really cares for us.”
The Workforce Hub serves students from six Ottawa County school districts with the help of 50 local business partners. Clay Finken, president of the Business Advisory Council which oversees the school, said this year’s students earned 284 industry-recognized credentials and completed over 3,000 hours of workforce learning opportunities. Of the 30 graduates, 22 have been hired by local businesses and will immediately enter the workforce, and six will continue to post-secondary education.
Several dignitaries attended the graduation, which was held at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. Among them were Lorie Brodie with Senator Jon Husted’s office; Ottawa County Commissioners Mark Coppeler, Donald Douglas and Mark Stahl; and Oak Harbor Mayor Quinton Babcock. LogisitiQ Corporation President Emily Martucci was the keynote speaker.
Ottawa County Improvement Corporation Director of Workforce Innovation, Katherine Adams, hosted the event and presented three outstanding graduates with special honors. Overmyer received the William “Bill” Hutchisson Leadership Award for setting an example to others in hard work and leadership. Nora Rosario was presented with the Joy Roth Spirit Award for her compassion, leadership and generosity. Makayla Couture was given the Phoenix Award for demonstrating resilience, growth and transformation in the face of challenges.
Awards & Achievements
Awards & Achievements
