Cuyahoga Heights High School student Brody Mahoney is turning a lifelong interest in the trades into hands-on experience through the Electrical Systems program at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC). His skills, knowledge and passion for his studies has landed him as this month's Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Student Spotlight. 

For Mahoney, enrolling at CVCC was a natural choice. He grew up around the trades through his father, a contractor, and recently learned from a family friend who works as a lineman for FirstEnergy.

“I’ve been working with a family friend for a bit who’s a lineman at FirstEnergy,” Mahoney said. “He’s been showing me a bit of the ropes, and I’ve really enjoyed it. My dad was a contractor, so I’ve sort of always been around the trades growing up. Attending CVCC and exploring what I want to do, knowing it’s most likely something in the trades after graduation, was a natural choice.”

At CVCC, Mahoney is enrolled in the Electrical Systems program taught by Joseph McNamee. The program has allowed him to build on his previous knowledge while deepening his understanding of electrical systems through classroom instruction and lab experiences.

The hands-on approach has been especially valuable for Mahoney, who enjoys applying classroom learning. Since starting the program, he has become more focused and enjoys school more.

Mahoney credits McNamee with creating an environment where students get support while being challenged to solve problems independently. Instead of immediately giving answers, McNamee encourages students to think through challenges and try different approaches, helping them build skills and confidence.

“Brody is hardworking, confident, and an engaged learner,” McNamee said. “He participates in classroom discussions consistently and completes work promptly. He works diligently in the shop every day and is always the first to help both classmates and me.”

While Mahoney has not settled on a career path yet, he can see himself becoming a utility lineman or mechanic after graduation. His interest in working on cars, combined with his Electrical Systems training, has let him explore several possibilities within the skilled trades.

His CVCC experience has introduced him to students from other districts and programs. Mahoney said meeting new people and developing friendships has become one of his favorite parts of attending the career center. He wrestles for Cuyahoga Heights High School, works, and enjoys biking, hiking, hunting, and lifting. Cuyahoga Heights students considering whether a CVCC program might be right for them, Mahoney has some simple advice: Give it a chance.

“Don’t be scared and miss out on this great opportunity,” he said. “It can be intimidating at first. I was, but everyone here is so welcoming, and you’ll learn so much and make great friends.”

Through his experiences at both Cuyahoga Heights High School and CVCC, Mahoney is gaining the skills, experience, and confidence to determine where his interests might take him after graduation. For now, he is taking advantage of the opportunity to learn by doing and exploring a future in the trades.

Congratulations on being named CVCC Student’s Spotlight, Brody. Keep reaching new heights!