Recognizing Student Achievements
Seven Lorain County JVS Cybersecurity and Networking seniors have successfully completed the requirements for the Information Technology Pre-Apprenticeship program, positioning themselves at the forefront of Ohio’s evolving tech workforce. Congratulations to:
Ephraim Cook (Elyria), Isaiah Delarwelle (Elyria), and Kaiden Filipiak (Elyria), who gained hands-on experience with the Elyria School District IT Department.
William Mohler (Wellington) and Corwin Scyoc (Wellington), who worked with the Wellington School District IT Department.
T
yler Henderson (Firelands), who contributed to the Lorain County JVS IT Department.
Spencer Brasee (Wellington), who completed his internship with the Keystone School District IT Department.
Building Ohio's Tech Workforce
"The more students who graduate with computer science and technology skills, the more prepared Ohio's workforce will be for a digital and AI-driven economy,” says
Julia Wynn, Director of State Government Affairs with Code.org. “The skills these students have learned should be foundational for all students, and I'm excited to see young learners taking advantage of opportunities to apply computer science to career-focused engagements."
With Ohio’s technology sector growing rapidly—bolstered by initiatives such as
OhioX, the state’s leading tech nonprofit, and
Ohio TechNet, a consortium of community colleges advancing workforce development—these students are gaining valuable hands-on experience in an industry critical to Ohio’s economy. Their success aligns with the state’s new proposal to require computer science education in all schools, further reinforcing the importance of early exposure to IT and cybersecurity careers.
To earn the IT Pre-Apprenticeship Certification, students completed coursework within the Cybersecurity and Networking pathway and exceeded the required 40 hours of work-based learning—completing summer internships with at least 150 hours of real-world industry experience.
For students like Kaiden Filipiak, the internship provided a seamless transition between classroom learning and professional IT environments.
“I enjoyed the internship at Elyria School District because it reinforced what we learned in the LCJVS Cybersecurity and Networking class,” Filipiak said. “It also gave me a professional look into the business and how to work with people in a team environment.”
The Power of Pre-Apprenticeships
For students like Tyler Henderson, taking a step beyond the classroom led to significant career growth.
“I took the risk and signed up for the internship program, and I came out with valuable work experience and more in-depth learning than I could have hoped for,” Henderson said.
Tim Reeves, LCJVS Cybersecurity and Networking instructor, emphasized how the pre-apprenticeship program equips students with career-ready skills, linking them to high-demand job opportunities across Ohio.
“The pre-apprenticeship program is another great opportunity for students who want to fast-track into the IT workforce,” Reeves said. “Upon graduation, they can connect to the post-graduate apprenticeship and receive additional training and job placement at companies in Northeast Ohio through the Greater Cleveland Partnership.”
Industry and Workforce Support
As Ohio invests in apprenticeships and tech-driven workforce initiatives, partnerships with organizations such as OhioX, Ohio TechNet, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Registered Apprenticeship Hub ensure students have direct pathways into the industry.
“Pre-apprenticeships introduce individuals to careers while developing essential work-related skills,” Maloney said. “Through GCP’s Registered Apprenticeship Hub, we are providing technical assistance to support Lorain County JVS’ pre-apprentice registration with ApprenticeOhio, a division of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that approves all pre-apprenticeship programs within the state.”
Hands-On Experience in Action
For Spencer Brasee, the internship was more than just IT training—it was an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills critical to the workforce.
“Through my internship, I gained hands-on experience in IT, expanding my technical skills,” Brasee said. “It also taught me the value of problem-solving, patience, and adaptability. A specific project I worked on was troubleshooting some of their 3D printers. I was able to troubleshoot and test the printers for a few weeks and get them up and running.”
Shaping the Future of Ohio’s Tech Industry
With Ohio's tech economy expanding—driven by investments in AI, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure—the LCJVS Pre-Apprenticeship Program plays a pivotal role in bridging the talent gap. By aligning its curriculum, certifications, and industry partnerships with the needs of employers, Lorain County JVS is helping shape Ohio’s future workforce and ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary for high-demand careers.
As Ohio moves toward strengthening computer science education requirements, programs like this will continue to play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of IT professionals.
Congratulations again to these students for their hard work and achievement in the IT Pre-Apprenticeship Program!
To learn more about industry partnerships and program development, please contact Program Supervisor, Michelle McClintic at [email protected].