Lorain County JVS

Strengthening Greater Cleveland’s Workforce Pipeline: LCJVS Summer Internship Program Scales and Builds Momentum

As workforce demands continue to evolve, Lorain County JVS is setting the standard for how education can drive economic growth and build creative partnerships with private institutions. Through strong industry partnerships and a commitment to real-world learning, the district is preparing students to step confidently into in-demand careers—while helping businesses tap into the next generation of talent.

A key example of this impact is the LCJVS Summer Internship Program, which has experienced nearly 90% growth over the past three years. In 2022, 82 students gained hands-on experience with local employers. In 2025, that number will reach over 150.

Employer involvement has grown just as rapidly, increasing from 65 to 130 companies—a clear sign of the district’s growing influence in workforce development across northeast Ohio.

Congratulations to Lorain County JVS on the impressive expansion of its internship program," stated Julie Szeltner, Director of Talent Engagement for Team NEO. "Internships put our future workforce on a career path to prosperity, as well as building the talent pipelines for our businesses.”

Building Momentum Through Industry Partnerships

This growth is part of Lorain County JVS's broader mission to serve as a state and national model for talent readiness. Recognized as a leader in workforce development, LCJVS is building innovative partnerships that align with Ohio’s business economy, spark innovation, and create meaningful, in-demand career pathways for high school and adult leaners.

“As Ohio continues to grow, our businesses are constantly seeking skilled talent,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “It’s essential that education and industry move together because our young people are the future of Ohio. We must empower our schools to align curriculum with the needs of business, because the future won’t wait for us to catch up and our career-technical schools are at the forefront of that.”

LCJVS has earned praise for moving “at the speed of business,” developing programs that reflect an in-depth understanding of workforce demands, and offering critical infrastructure to support Ohio’s talent pipeline.

“This internship program is more than just summer work experience — it’s an investment in the future of our students and our economy,” said Dr. Glenn Faircloth, superintendent of Lorain County JVS. “We are showing the region and the state that when education is aligned with industry, and when we listen to what businesses need, we create real, lasting change. Our students are not just learning—they’re contributing. That’s what workforce readiness looks like.”

A Broad and Diverse Employer Network

The list of employer partners reflects the strength and diversity of the region’s business community. These partnerships span industries such as advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, healthcare, beauty, early childhood education, and more.

Just a small sample of the organizations LCJVS is collaborating with for 2025 includes: A.J. Rose Manufacturing Company, Absolute Machine Tools, Avon Lake Sheet Metal, Criterion Tool, D&S Automotive Collision and Restyling, Electrical Accents, Elms Retirement Village, Espresso Bakery, Fine Bella, Forest City Technologies, Inc., Gross Plumbing Inc., Horizon Education Centers, Honey Dudes Handyman, Kenworth, Lorain County Metro Parks, Mike Bass Ford, Skylift Inc., Trio Concrete, The Child Garden, University Hospitals, Voss Industries, and Willoway Nurseries.

Real-Time Response to Real-World Demand

The strength of the program lies in its ability to respond to industry needs in real-time. Robyn Needham of Mazzella Companies shared her experience: “Within minutes of getting a call from an LCJVS student interested in an industrial painting role, I had him connected with our recruiter. This is the kind of momentum I love to see. When we work together, great things happen.”

Coordinated Support for Student Success

Behind the scenes, the success of the program is supported by dedicated staff working to connect students with the right opportunities.

“This kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of trust, alignment, and consistency,” said Mathias Hauck, Workforce Development Coordinator and Career Services Specialist at LCJVS. “We meet with employers regularly, our career tech lab instructors coach our students thoroughly, and we follow through. That’s why companies keep coming back, and that’s why students feel confident stepping into these roles.”

A Launchpad for Future Careers

From manufacturing to healthcare, information technology to skilled trades, the internship program helps students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while giving employers early access to emerging talent. The program’s continued success reinforces the district’s role in bridging the talent crisis with forward-thinking, employer-aligned solutions.

As Lorain County JVS looks toward 2025 and beyond, its internship program remains a powerful example of how education and industry can work together to fuel economic growth — one student at a time.