Millstream gets $25K for skills lab

FINDLAY — Millstream Career Center has been selected as a recipient of a $25,000 equipment grant through the Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson program, supporting hands on plumbing education for students preparing for careers in the skilled trades. The award was presented during a surprise check presentation recognizing Millstream's commitment to career and technical education and workforce development, a release from the Explore the Trades program states. The grant will provide industry relevant equipment to help students gain practical experience and explore careers in plumbing and other skilled trades fields. The Skills Lab program is a partnership between Explore The Trades, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting careers in the skilled trades, and Ferguson, a North American distributor in plumbing and HVAC. This year marks the 5th year of the grant program. Since its launch, over 5,000 students at 53 schools in 21 states, including 49 high schools and 4 middle schools, have received grants in support of skilled trades education, according to the release. "We are incredibly proud to recognize Millstream Career Center as a recipient of this year's Skills Lab grant," said Lara Beltz, board trustee of Explore The Trades and co-owner of Beltz Home Service in Findlay. "Programs like this are critical to helping students discover meaningful, high demand career opportunities while building the workforce our industry urgently needs." The presentation also recognized Program Director Kyle Watts and instructors Kevin Sheidler and Malachi Abbott for their leadership and commitment to hands on skilled trades education. To see the list of all recipients of the grant, visit explorethetrades.org.