CANFIELD — The Mahoning County Career & Technical Center hosted an open house Saturday for adults interested in its programs.

Prospective students came from various places in the Mahoning Valley and beyond.

John Davison, of Gustavus, attended to learn about the medical office specialist program. He was forced to leave his previous employment as a robotic line operator because of back issues and is making a career change.

“I like working with people, and working in a medical office will be a lot better for me. I don’t want to be dependent on disability; I want to use the abilities I have left,” Davison said.

Mary Mihalopoulos, of Boardman, is the MCCTC Adult Career Center supervisor and has been at the center since 2014 overseeing the adult career center, which serves high school seniors through those considering a career change. The center offers programs in automotive technology, welding, emergency medical technician, firefighting, practical nursing, medical assistant, medical office specialist and veterinarian assistant.

The center also provides training in short-term courses that include industrial trades, certified nursing and robotics. A program called Aspire provides free classes for those who need help with acquiring a GED, career and technical education, college or thriving in the workplace. Special interest classes are also offered that include art, beekeeping, computers and cooking.

The open house was an opportunity for inquirers to meet the faculty, tour the school, as well as the lab, and receive information on financial aid. Mihalopoulos said, “We are excited about what we do here.”

Sarah Searcy, of Canfield, admissions and recruiting coordinator, has been teaching in the career readiness program since 2025.

“I feel so lucky to be a part of the student’s experience here,” Searcy said. “It’s incredibly rewarding. I walk with a student from application to acceptance. We ensure they have a support system from the beginning and throughout their program.”

All classes and programs combined, MCCTC serves approximately 500 to 600 students per year. The age of students is diverse, with the majority being in the 18-30 age bracket. They do, however, see students up through the age of 50 who are changing careers.

While most students are from Mahoning County, they also come from Alliance and Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

“The center provides both academic and hands-on training skills that are rigorous. Also, students can receive college credit that will transfer to a community college or university. For instance, in the practical nursing program, students can earn a licensed practical nursing degree here and then move forward to an associate or bachelor’s degree as they work toward becoming a registered nurse,” Mihalopoulos said.

MCCTC will host “In Demand Job Week” in May, which is a state initiative.

For more information, contact the center at 330-729-4100.