Training Tomorrow’s Workforce, Today

An emerging partnership in Fairfield County is creating pathways to in-demand jobs for people in the region through the Fairfield County Workforce Center (FCWC). The Fairfield County Commissioners(opens in a new window), Ohio University’s Lancaster Campus and Russ College of Engineering and Technology, and Hocking College(opens in a new window) have joined forces to meet current workforce needs by offering flexible, standalone certificates in high-demand skill sets—without the time or cost commitment of a full bachelor’s degree.

“What I love so much about this partnership is that we are all coming to the table with one goal in mind: serving the community,” said Lewatis McNeal, OHIO’s vice provost for regional higher education and partnerships. “We are educating and training people who will one day be leaders in those communities. As unique as the partnership is, we are all positioned and we are all working to help meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

Adult learners can earn automation technician, mechatronics or semiconductor manufacturing technician fundamentals certifications in as little as one year each. While these financial aid-eligible certificates stand independently as educational achievements and workforce skills, they may also feed into advanced degrees—including the Associate of Applied Science degree in engineering technology, also available through the FCWC—for students who wish to continue their education.

Please select this link to read the complete article from OHIO Press.