Carpentry program graduates 3rd student

YOUNGSTOWN — A nonprofit carpentry training program created to help people learn a gainful occupation is graduating its third student Friday.

Kyron Devoe of Youngstown has completed the two-year journeyman carpenter program offered by “A” Unity Housing Renovation Inc. & Apprenticeship.

The program is holding an open house graduation ceremony for him from noon to 5 p.m. at its center at 2305 Elm St.

Program graduates are issued a journeyman carpenter certificate by the state of Ohio.

Founder Ollie Peterson, who serves as chief executive officer and president, said she started the program five years ago in an effort to make a small positive impact in the community.

The program has graduated two students in the past and has four enrolled right now.

A journeyman carpenter handles the student training, and the center secures home improvement jobs where students can hone their skills under the journeyman carpenter’s supervision.

The only requirement for students is that they be at least 18 years old. Tuition assistance is available through the Mahoning Columbiana Training Association and the students are paid an hourly rate starting at $6 when they are working on jobs.

The center is actively seeking home improvement jobs for its training program.