This week, Hope Town leadership had the privilege of joining an important roundtable discussion at Stark State College’s Automotive Technology Center—an environment buzzing with innovation and opportunity.
Representing Hope Town were CEO Ted St. John, Program Director Adam Ciganik, and Service Manager Tyler Niner. They met with several influential leaders in education and workforce development, including Mike Conway, Department Chair of Automotive & Transportation at Stark State College; Kellijo Jeffries, Director of Jobs & Family Services; Rebecca Abbott, Assistant Director; and Carly Spencer, Director of OhioMeansJobs.
The purpose? To explore solutions to one of our region’s pressing needs: a skilled and ready automotive technician workforce.
It was more than just a meeting—it was a strategic brainstorming session focused on addressing the growing demand for maintenance and light repair professionals. These roles are essential in today’s economy, and creating more accessible pathways to certification could open doors for many in our community, especially those looking to launch careers or make meaningful transitions into the skilled trades.
At Hope Town, we’re excited about where this conversation may lead. Whether it’s through future partnerships, adult learning programs, or career readiness pipelines, we believe investing in automotive technician training is investing in the long-term health of our local workforce.
Stay tuned—there’s more to come.