New Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Offered Through Fairfield County Workforce Center

   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2025
 

[CARROLL, OH] – The Fairfield County Workforce Center and The Freeland Foundation and Freeland Contracting Company are proud to announce the development of a new Pre-Apprenticeship Plumbing Program for high school seniors during the upcoming academic school year.
 
As a leader in commercial plumbing and with a long-standing commitment to education and workforce development, the Freeland Foundation is dedicated to preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. This program provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn industry standards, and explore a rewarding career in plumbing before graduating high school.
 
“Plumbing is a trade that will always be in demand, and we want to help our community’s young people see it as a viable, stable, financially rewarding and meaningful career path,” said Joe Fischer, VP of Production. “This partnership fills a critical need in developing the future workforce while giving students the tools to succeed.”
 
Through classroom learning, lab experiences, and mentorship from multiple licensed professionals, students will begin building the skills necessary for success in the plumbing industry. Upon completion, participants will be well-positioned to continue into full apprenticeship programs or other career pathways in the skilled trades.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Fairfield County students enabling them to get a head start into a field where the demand is consistently high,” said Rick Szabrak, Director of the Fairfield County Workforce Center. “The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 4% growth for plumbers in Ohio which amounts to nearly 1,400 new positions needed to be filled annually throughout the state. We are proud to be able to help develop those future workers.”
 
There are ten Fairfield County high school seniors enrolled in the program this school year. The program, which will begin with basic training at the Fairfield County Workforce Center before moving to Freeland’s training center, increases Fairfield County’s pre-apprenticeship offerings.
 
The Freeland Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing skilled trades education. Through its flagship program, Freeland Mechanical Resource Apprenticeship Program (FMRAP), the Foundation has provided over 12 years of training in plumbing and HVAC. FMRAP is a federally and state-registered apprenticeship program that equips apprentices with hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and industry-recognized credentials. By combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
Freeland Contracting is a leader in commercial plumbing services, recognized for quality, safety, and innovation. With decades of experience, the company is committed to advancing the industry and BLS projects a 4% growth for plumbers, investing in the development of future tradespeople.
 
Established in 2020, the Workforce Center provides training programs for high-demand industries including manufacturing, skilled trades, and health care. The programs are offered through a collaborative partnership between the Fairfield County Commissioners, Ohio University Lancaster Campus and the Russ College of Engineering, and Hocking College. The partnership focuses on economic development through training and workforce development.