Aulicino connects students with careers

Carina Aulicino
BLOOMINGDALE — Carina Aulicino’s position as the new career workforce specialist at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School is helping students set the course for their future.
Aulicino, who began her duties on Aug. 1, is building relationships with community partners to pave the way for internships, apprenticeships and work opportunities upon graduation from the school, which includes about 385 pupils. She said the experience they gain at the JVS gives them a distinct advantage when the time comes to obtain a job.
“It’s very beneficial for our students to be performing tasks that they can do on the job, from performing maintenance on vehicles to heavy equipment operation. If they do that here, the repetition will help the students in their careers,” she said. “I’m trying to align jobs with what they are working with in their programs.”
Several students have already gained experience by working up to 600 hours during the summer and Aulicino has received positive feedback on their performance.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about them, that they are dependable and hard workers who know their duties,” she commented.
Aulicino is also being active by attending career fairs, joining organizations such as the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and networking with local businesses to share how the JVS could help supply them with a workforce from among its 16 programs, which include auto collision, auto service technology, carpentry, computer networking, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, multimedia and design, power mechanics, small animal science, Transition to Work, welding and the newly implemented heavy equipment operator and construction technology course.
She gained experience working with students and businesses in recent years but spent nearly two decades as a radiology technologist at East Ohio Regional Hospital until 2018. Aulicino then served as a clinical instructor and taught radiology courses at Eastern Gateway Community College. From there, she was inspired by Annamarie Welshans, her mentor at EGCC, to obtain her bachelor’s degree in leadership and administration at West Liberty University and will earn her master’s in educational leadership at WLU this spring. She became a clinical coordinator at Belmont College in 2020 and also became a substitute teacher, where she found enjoyment working at the middle and high school levels. She soon learned about the career workforce specialist’s post at JVS and said she jumped at the chance.
“I was lucky enough to be chosen,” she added, saying her previous experience of interacting with students and the community makes the position a great fit.
Aulicino said she has been warmly welcomed to the JVS and is eager to do her part to help students meet their career goals.
“It’s been great and everyone’s been so helpful. It’s just a great culture and environment,” she continued. “I want to build partnerships and build opportunities for students here at Jefferson County JVS.”
Superintendent Todd Phillipson said Aulicino will provide valuable assistance to the school.
“Carina is off to a great start as the career workforce development specialist. She brings enthusiasm for the position and a willingness to learn,” said Phillipson. “There is much expected of her in working with employers, staff and students. We are called to bring the students to the workforce.”