Volunteer “Ambassadors” for Industrial Careers Pathway (ICP) recently participated in two career fair events to raise awareness and attract entry-level talent to open positions in the field of industrial distribution and their own companies. Bill Sauter of OHARCO Inc. spent time at Millard South High School in Omaha, Neb., on March 2. Also, Tom Tesoro of Jason Industrial Inc. A Megadyne Group Co., along Josh McGill and Kevin Maminski of Bartlett Bearing, Co., Inc., participated at the winter event at Williamson College of the Trades in Media, Pa., on February 15.

Sauter said, “There were about 200 students who came through in shifts and I typically had two to four stopping together to ask about what we do. I explained that we have both warehouse and office needs and how we are always looking for young people who like to work with others and help customers solve problems. Most had never heard of industrial distribution and were excited to learn about the field.”

This was the first time Sauter, an ICP Steering Committee member, participated in an ICP-coordinated career fair. Sauter is president of OHARCO Inc. which is a member of ICP Alliance Partner NBMDA (National Building Materials Distributors Association).

The Pennsylvania career fair at Williamson College of the Trades occurs twice yearly. This is a repeat performance for Tesoro and McGill who said they continue to be impressed by the students and the school.

McGill, operations manager for Bartlett Bearing Co. Inc., said, “Because this was my second experience at this event, it was everything I expected. We were able to speak to three instructors about how they prepare their students with the soft skills necessary to have an immediate impact on any organization they join. Personally, I enjoy advocating for ICP but I also went to see if there would be any value for Bartlett Bearing.” The company is a member of ICP Alliance Partner PTDA (Power Transmission Distributors Association).

Tesoro, VP sales & marketing for Jason Industrial is also a repeat participant. He said, “The school does a fantastic job of preparing these young people for careers in the trades. It is a pleasure to participate.” Jason Industrial is also a member of PTDA and NIBA-The Belting Association, both ICP Alliance Partner associations.

Attending local career events and getting to know the instructors and administrators at local high schools as well as community and technical colleges helps industrial distribution employers develop relationships with “right-fit” individuals to fill entry-level open positions.

Industrial Careers Pathway
IndustrialCareersPathway.org/FindAnIntern