MEDIA, PA – April 9, 2025 – Senator Tim Kearney and Representative Jennifer O’Mara, in partnership with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU), hosted their annual Apprenticeship & Trades Fair on April 5 at the DCIU in Morton. The event welcomed students in grades 7 through 12 and their families, connecting them with professionals from local trade unions, apprenticeship programs, and training institutions.
“Even on a rainy Saturday, families showed up, and that says a lot about how important events like this are to our community,” said Senator Kearney. “We want our young people to see all the great options available to them after graduation. I’m thankful to Rep. O’Mara, and the DCIU for partnering with me and to all the organizations who spent their Saturday with us to make this a meaningful experience.”
The event featured hands-on exhibits and representatives from over a dozen companies and organizations, including PECO, Steamfitters Local 420, Iron Workers Local 405, Boilermakers Local 13, the Finishing Trades Institute, Carpenters Local 255, Laborers’ District Council 21, Delaware County Community College, Williamson College of the Trades, UPS, PA Department of Health EMS, and DCIU. Each group offered insight into real-world career paths and training opportunities.
Joseph Vassallo, a Power Lineman with 18 years of experience working for PECO and a member of IBEW Local 614, was among the exhibitors. “I came to help give people more awareness about what trades are out there, specifically what careers and programs PECO has to offer” he said. “Working in this trade has been life-changing for me. I enjoy what I do, and it’s a good job.” His exhibit included a live demonstration to show how electricity works, which helped students better understand both the job and its safety aspects.
Vassallo also highlighted PECO’s craft apprenticeship offerings, including trade-focused programs for powerline workers, gas mechanics, and underground line mechanics, along with pre-apprenticeship programs like the Helper Pool, all in partnership with IBEW Local 614.
Fernando O’Loughlin attended the fair with two school-aged boys he mentors. “Their mom heard about the event and asked if I could bring them,” he said. “It ended up being a good experience. We learned about things like the Teamsters that I didn’t know much about before. There should be more events like this.”
“This is one of my favorite events we host because there is always so much excitement from both the students and their parents,” said Rep. O’Mara. “It’s important that every student is aware of all their options so they can make the best choice for themselves after high school and I’m glad to be able to help them with this event.”
Both Senator Kearney and Rep. O’Mara were glad to see another strong turnout this year and appreciate the continued support from families and community partners. Given the positive response, their offices are already planning how to expand the event—possibly holding it more often and in different parts of the county, with the goal of reaching even more students and connecting them to meaningful career pathways.
For more information about this press release, contact Senator Tim Kearney’s office at 610-544-6120.
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