Lorain County JVS

Lorain County JVS (LCJVS) students showcased their technical expertise and career readiness at the SkillsUSA Ohio State Competition, earning five medals across multiple skilled trade and service categories.

Precision Training Leads to Gold

Curtis Gilles, a senior in the Precision Machining Technology program, earned a gold medal in his category—an achievement that reflects both his dedication and the hands-on training he received at LCJVS and through his employer, General Plug.

Gilles has worked at General Plug since his junior year, beginning as a summer intern, and will be completing his pre-apprenticeship with the company. In preparation for the SkillsUSA competition, he trained at their facility, honing his skills alongside industry professionals. Representatives from General Plug attended the awards ceremony, presented Gilles with his gold medal on stage, and offered him a full-time position upon graduation.

“Curtis is the first state champion for this program, and from now on, he has set the bar pretty high,” said Jim Tyree, general manager at General Plug. “For the last 30 years, we have hired two to five students each year from this program.”

Curtis will begin his formal apprenticeship with General Plug this fall and start his coursework to become a journeyman tool and die maker.

“Curtis is a great example of what hard work and industry partnerships can achieve,” said John Green, LCJVS Precision Machine Technology instructor. “His dedication, combined with the support from General Plug, has allowed him to develop the skills necessary to succeed in this field. Seeing him recognized at the state level and offered a full-time career opportunity is incredibly rewarding.”

Reflecting on his time at General Plug, Gilles said, “I’ve enjoyed this work—it has been a lot of fun, and they’ve taught me a lot. They’ve given me the safe space to make some mistakes, learn from them, and grow. The people I work with make it a great place to be.”

Skilled Training Programs Produce Top Competitors

In addition to Gilles’ success, Eva Rosado-Gonzalez, a senior in the Bakery & Pastry Arts program, earned her second consecutive gold medal in baking and pastry, qualifying once again for the national competition.

“Having competed in the national competition last year makes me feel more confident going into this year’s event,” said Rosado-Gonzalez. “I learned so much from the experience—not just during the competition, but from everything surrounding it. Now I know how to prepare more effectively, and I’m excited to compete and do my best.”

“It’s always incredible to have a student compete at this level—it’s a significant achievement,” said Chef Chris Moore, Bakery and Pastry Arts instructor. “Having experienced it last year, Eva is better prepared mentally and understands the areas she needed to improve. She’s worked hard to correct those mistakes. That drive, determination, and resilience is exactly what you hope to see in a student.”

Camrin Fortney, a senior in the Culinary Arts program, earned a silver medal in restaurant service, while Michael Schulte, a senior in the Welding & Fabrication program, took silver in sheet metal. Camden Vana, a senior in the Cybersecurity & Networking program, secured a bronze medal in information technology servicing.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work and success at SkillsUSA,” said Tina Pelto, high school principal at LCJVS. “These results reflect their commitment to their craft and the outstanding support from our instructors and industry partners.”

“The achievements of Lorain County JVS students at the SkillsUSA Ohio State Leadership and Skills Conference are a powerful reminder of how career and technical education—supported by dedicated instructors and strong industry partnerships—prepares students for real-world success. These students are not only demonstrating their technical and leadership skills but also shaping the future workforce. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the bright futures they represent,” said Chelle Travis, National Executive Director, SkillsUSA.

Why It Matters
SkillsUSA is a national organization that provides students with opportunities to develop technical and leadership skills through competitive events. The success of LCJVS students at the state level highlights the impact of hands-on training, industry partnerships, and real-world career preparation. With strong support from employers like General Plug, students are not only excelling in competitions but also launching into skilled careers before graduation.

This achievement aligns with the broader economic landscape in Northeast Ohio, where advanced manufacturing and technology sectors continue to be driving forces. According to Team NEO, the region’s economic development organization, advanced manufacturing accounts for 18% of Northeast Ohio’s gross domestic product, reflecting its significant role in the local economy. (northeastohioregion.com)

In the technology sector, Northeast Ohio is home to approximately 4,300 technology businesses employing around 31,000 individuals. Each year, the region produces 1,600 graduates qualified to work in information technology fields, contributing to a total gross regional product of $6.3 billion in this sector. (northeastohioregion.com)

“These statistics underscore the importance of career-technical education programs like those at LCJVS in preparing students to meet the evolving demands of these vital industries,” said Dr. Glenn Faircloth, LCJVS superintendent. “We are committed to ensuring that our students graduate not only with high-level skills but also with clear career pathways, whether they choose to enter the workforce, pursue an apprenticeship, or continue their education.

The accomplishments of our SkillsUSA competitors demonstrate the power of career-tech education in shaping the future of our workforce.”

For more information about LCJVS and its career training programs, visit www.lcjvs.com.