From OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Owens Community College hosted around 150 students from nine local schools at the third annual Jill of All Trades event on Oct. 23, to learn about careers in the skilled trades.
“We’re excited to provide this opportunity for young people to explore the skilled trades. By partnering with Jill of All Trades, we’re proud to ignite curiosity, build confidence and educate young people about potential careers and all of the things they could do in their future,” said Dr. Dione D. Somerville, Owens president.
Jill of All Trades was started in 2014 in Canada, providing hands-on experiences to young people in grades 9 – 12 and introducing them to the possibilities of a career in skilled trades. Owens was the first institution in the United States to host the event.
Students were split into 12 groups, with each participating in three different workshops. Held at the Dana Center, Welding Design Center, and Transportation Technology buildings on the Toledo-area campus, workshop topics included robotics, welding, CNC/machining, auto service and repair, crane rigging, and diesel technology.
Students from Central Catholic High School, Clay High School, Horizon Science Academy, Northview High School, Penta Career Center, Scott High School, Southview High School, Toledo Technology Academy, and Whitmer High School participated in the 2025 event. Despite increased interest from area schools, this year’s event was capped with the number of participants to ensure the best experience and most interaction with mentors.
Over the three years of Jill of All Trades, Owens has welcomed more than 250 students from 13 local schools. In addition to the participating schools this year, students from Maumee Valley Country Day School, Perrysburg, Start, and St. Ursula Academy have attended the event in the past.
“It’s been incredible to see our Jill of All Trades event grow and thrive over the past three years, and it wouldn’t be possible without the amazing partnerships we’ve built with our local schools. We’re truly honored by the trust they place in us and excited to help inspire and guide their students toward bright, bold futures in the skilled trades,” said Erin Kramer, Owens director of admissions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are projected to be 20 job openings in the skilled trades for every new employee between 2022 and 2032. That’s an estimated 584,000 annual openings for skilled trades roles. Owens aims to address the workforce needs of the future with its variety of programs, certificates, and associate degrees.
Students began and ended their day at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, where program sponsors were set up with information about working in the trades.
For the first time, the Owens Community College Foundation sponsored a $1,000 scholarship for a student. The winner was Alayshia Mallett from Scott High School.
“The Owens Foundation is proud to support the dreams of our students, and this scholarship is a powerful example of that commitment. We’re honored to play a part in helping young people pursue their goals and build meaningful, successful careers in the skilled trades through an education at Owens,” said Kelle Pack, Owens vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the Owens Foundation.
Sponsors of the event were Owens Corning, Enbridge, Magna, Toledo Rotary Foundation, MCA of Northwest Ohio, Women in Mechanical Industry, First Solar, Murphy Tractor & Equipment Company, Specialized Carriers & Rigging, City of Toledo, Advanced Technologies Consultants, TARTA, ACG of Northwest Ohio, and The Andersons.
To learn more about the Owens School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, visit owens.edu/stem. To see more from this event, go to owens.edu/jillofalltrades.
