Oatey Co. Volunteers Mentor Girls at Skilled Trades Camp in Ohio
Associates from Oatey Co. took part in the “Let’s Build Construction Careers” Camp for Girls, helping introduce the next generation of potential trades professionals to the plumbing industry. The event took place June 18 at the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC) in Canfield, Ohio.
Oatey, a longtime sponsor of the program, once again delivered a hands-on workshop designed to provide real-world experience in plumbing fundamentals. The camp, which is free and open to girls ages 12–17, promotes early exposure to career paths in skilled trades, construction and manufacturing—industries where women remain underrepresented.
The “Plumbing 101” session, led by Oatey Technical Specialist Jim Eichenser, included multiple rotating skill stations where participants learned tasks such as solvent welding PVC pipe, installing washer supply boxes and sink strainers, setting toilets, and soldering copper pipe. Campers received mentorship and guidance from Oatey team members throughout the day.
“The level of interest and enthusiasm these campers showed was truly inspiring,” Eichenser said. “Introducing them to experiences like this early on is so important—not just for building technical skills, but for helping them gain confidence and see the breadth of opportunities in the skilled trades.”
The weeklong camp combines experiential learning, field trips and mentorship with hands-on training in fields such as electrical work, welding, drywall installation, bricklaying, and more. Oatey’s continued participation reflects its commitment to workforce development and strengthening the pipeline of future trades professionals.
