ConnectED | Spring 2024

ROBUST ROBOTICS

Mahoning County Career and Technical Center's Journey to ARM Institute Endorsement SPOTLIGHT ON OHIO TECHNICAL CENTERS

INSIDE:

> MCCTC solidifies its position as a leading provider of education and training in robotics manufacturing

> The dynamic partnership between Washington County Career Center and Ohio Means Jobs Center

> An EHOVE Career Center student's journey to surgical technology success

> A transformative journey through the Eastland-Fairfield Basic Police Officer Training program

> High school students gain phlebotomy skills: A win-win with Penta Career Center

Photo: Mahoning County Career & Technical Center

A Message

from Chancellor Mike Duffey

Ohio is “The Heart of It All.” Ohio is also "The Heart of Education." That means having an education pathway for whatever career you choose to pursue, as well as a job waiting upon graduation. This issue of ConnectED is devoted to Ohio’s Technical Centers, which today are increasingly on the cutting edge of what fast-growing industries are demanding for careers from advanced manufacturing to information technology, healthcare, construction, public safety, and more.

In this issue, we’ll learn about how an endorsement at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center benefits employers in the Mahoning Valley; how a partnership in Washington County empowers students to compete in today’s job market; and we’ll meet students who are pursuing their professional dreams through Ohio Technical Center education.

On another note, May 6-10 is In-Demand Jobs Week in Ohio, which is designed to highlight career opportunities that provide job seekers with high-paying jobs as well as fast growth. This issue highlights how Ohio’s Technical Centers are meeting the regional needs of businesses and job seekers, and how they are changing lives and keeping our valued employers ConnectED to a pipeline of skilled workers ready to serve our great state.

This is also a moment for me to personally recognize Ohio’s longtime Executive Director of the Ohio Technical Centers, Mr. William “Bill” Bussey, who announced he'll retire at the end of December. As former state director of career-technical education (CTE) at the Ohio Department of Education, Bill is a legend in Ohio CTE circles, and deservedly so. Please join me in wishing him a joyful retirement. Ohio will miss his service dearly.

With gratitude,

Chancellor Mike Duffey

Robust Robotics

Mahoning County Career and Technical Center's journey to ARM Institute Endorsement

Fostering Economic Growth through Strategic Collaboration

The dynamic partnership between Washington County Career Center and Ohio Means Jobs Center

An EHOVE Career Center Student's Journey to Surgical Technology Success

Olivia Conley's inspiring journey through career technical education

A Future Enhanced, A Dream Fulfilled

Overcoming personal challenges, Basic Police Officer Training Graduate Josh Dillard aims to make a community impact

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A win-win with Penta Career Center

ROBUST ROBOTICS

Mahoning County Career and Technical Center's journey to ARM Institute Endorsement

Written by Dom Fonce, Staff Writer, MCCTC Adult Career Center & Jodi Glass, Recruiter and Marketing Coordinator, MCCTC Adult Career Center

Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Adult Career Center recently earned ARM Institute Endorsement. Organizations that earn the ARM Institute’s endorsement pass a rigorous assessment process by proving that they provide students the skills needed for a career in manufacturing working with robotics. ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Endorsement recognizes programs that prepare students for manufacturing careers working with robotics.*

MCCTC Adult Career Center Supervisor

Mary Mihalopoulos, said ARM Endorsement represents a commitment to provide training programs that are aligned with industry standards and advancements in robotics technology. “MCCTC strives to meet high-quality education and training standards that is representative of the ARM Endorsement.” MCCTC is dedicated to maintaining the quality and relevance of top training programs. She said her main vision for the MCCTC robotics program is to

make a direct impact to the workforce and sustain success in a rapidly evolving field.

What is the ARM Institute?

The ARM Institute is the nation’s leading collaborative in robotics and workforce innovation, working at the confluence of industry, government, and academia. Structured as a public-private partnership, the ARM Institute and its 300+ member organizations catalyze robotic technologies and education solutions to strengthen the U.S. industrial base and secure U.S. manufacturing resiliency. The institute is sponsored by the Department of Defense, and its diverse membership base includes start-ups, research universities, community colleges, manufacturers of all sizes, government agencies, workforce development organizations, and more.*

What is the value of ARM endorsement?

The ARM Endorsement Program is a thorough process used to identify organizations that are the most effective at preparing students for careers in manufacturing working with robotics. The Endorsement program was conceptualized

and created through the ARM Institute’s 300+-member national consortium, giving equal voice to the need of manufacturers, education providers, and government stakeholders. The program leverages the ARM Institute’s competency and skills framework that outlines the career options and skills needed for a manufacturing career working with robotics. The endorsement criteria are comprehensive, evaluating both organizations and their programs based upon the following benchmarks: *

• Relevance to the Industry

• Effective Curriculum

• Efficiency of the Training

• Impact of the Program

• Program Sustainability

• Transportability

MCCTC Adult Career Center Robotics Instructor, Tom Mihalopoulos is certified to teach FANUC (Fuji Automatic Numerical Control). In instructing FANUC, Tom and his students work with robotic arms of various sizes and with various attachments. Specifically, he

instructs employees of businesses who need robotics training. He said he appreciates working with these types of students because there are stakes to their learning—they must return to their employers demonstrating their gained knowledge. So, his classroom environment is professional and serious, but fun and exciting once students begin programing the robotic arms.

He said, “Most workplaces already have robotics and automation,” he said, adding how the public has to adjust to these changes and, by all accounts, largely have adjusted to these changes already. For example, the rise of self-checkout stations is well underway, and the public has adjusted to it with little issue. Automation on the road, in our homes, in our educational institutions, and at our jobs is happening. That is why learning how these machines work is invaluable: Not learning them will put you behind.

The ARM Institute leverages a unique, robust, and diverse ecosystem of consortium members and partners across industry, academia, and government to make robotics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence more accessible to U.S. manufacturers large and small; to train and empower the manufacturing workforce; strengthen our economy and global competitiveness; and elevate national security and resilience. Based in Pittsburgh, PA since 2017, the ARM Institute is leading the way to a future where people and robots work together to respond to our nation’s greatest challenges and to produce the world’s most desired products.*

MCCTC Adult Career Center Training and Employment Coordinator Jim Jarvis said the ARM Endorsement is the absolute authority on determining the efficacy of robotics

manufacturing programs. He said, “ARM Endorsement is the metric by which all programs are measured.” According to Jarvis, the application process was long and arduous, but worth it. “Having the ARM seal approval is an amazing accomplishment. It represents that we are serving robotics educational needs to highest degree,” Jarvis said.

Jarvis has worked with numerous northeast Ohio businesses to further train their employees in FANUC robotics. Some of these local companies include: Pennex Aluminum (Leetonia), Columbiana Boiler, Brilex Industries (Youngstown), Compco (Columbiana), Hunt Valve Company (Salem), Graphic Packaging International (Solon), Gasser Chair (Youngstown), General Extrusions International (Youngstown), and Taylor-Winfield Technologies (Youngstown). MCCTC is grateful to these companies for choosing MCCTC to further their employees’ training. Jarvis said his ultimate hope, beyond the prestige of the ARM Endorsement, is to bring awareness to MCCTC’s Adult Career Center and the amazing training opportunities it offers.**

*Excerpts taken from an ARM Institute recent press release announcing Mahoning County Career and Technical Center’s newly awarded endorsement. Information about ARM endorsement and the ARM Institute can be found at roboticscareer.org.

**Information about Robotics training at MCCTC can be found at mahoningctc.com/adult

Fostering Economic Growth through Strategic Collaboration

The dynamic partnership between Washington County Career Center and Ohio Means Jobs Center

The collaboration between the Washington County Career Center - Adult Technical Training and the Washington County, Ohio Means Jobs Center has become a cornerstone for fostering a vibrant business community in the region. This partnership is built on a shared vision of empowering students and professionals with the skills and resources needed for success in today's job market.

Wendy Ketelsen, the financial aid coordinator at the Career Center, underscores the importance of this relationship by highlighting how the Ohio Means Jobs Office's WIOA Grant has been instrumental in changing lives. By referring students to the OMJ office, they gain access to funding that supports their training and education, opening doors to selfsufficient employment that might have remained closed due to financial constraints.

The collaboration has also extended beyond individual student support to include initiatives aimed at upskilling

the existing workforce. Erica Chidester, medical programs manager at Adult Technical Training, said, “Partnering with our local OMJ center to access incumbent worker training dollars has been a pivotal step in advancing healthcare customized training at the Washington County Career Center. Through collaborative efforts and partnerships with Memorial Health System, Platinum Recovery Service, and the Washington County OMJ, we've crafted tailored programs that not only enhance skills but also meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector."

This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to empowering the region's workforce and strengthening the community's healthcare capabilities. It's been a rewarding experience, driving impactful change and fostering a brighter future for healthcare professionals in our region. “This not only enhances the skills of current professionals but also strengthens the community's healthcare services as a whole,” Chidester said.

Moreover, the partnership's role in organizing events such as the Career Connect Job Fair, (300 participants in 2023) and the Manufacturing In Action event (More than 400 high school students participated) indicates a commitment to creating networking opportunities and exposing students to real-world career possibilities.

These events, supported by the OMJ's resources, allow participants to explore various career paths, understand the skills required by employers, and even experience different professions through innovative tools such as virtual reality goggles. Lori Smith, marketing specialist with Adult Technical Training, added, “The OMJ office partners with the school on all of these events; they will assist area high schools with assistance for transportation and are actively speaking with the high school students to inform them of the wide array of services available to them. Students do not know they have help available to them, from assisting with tuition costs to ensuring they have what they need to begin a new job the OMJ office is there for them every step of the way.”

The partnership's success in organizing the collaborative event during Ohio's In-Demand Jobs Week is a testament to its effectiveness in connecting students with potential employers, highlighting the practical benefits of vocational training over the traditional four-year college degree.

“The local OMJ partnered with The Career Center and the Ohio Valley Employment Resource Center to bring employers, high school students, and OMJ together to give students from a four-county area a handson experience of the careers available in the Mid-Ohio Valley," Smith said. "Partnerships such as this showcase to students the needs of the employers and allow them to see that they do not have to move out of the area or state to secure a living wage job.”

Evan Schaad, director of Adult Technical Training, said the synergy between the Career Center and the Ohio Means Jobs centers is a driving force for community development. By aligning their missions to serve both residents and employers, they are not only enhancing the employability of individuals but also contributing to the economic vitality of Washington County.

The partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in education and workforce development, showing how combining resources and expertise can lead to a more skilled workforce and a dynamic business environment. As this relationship continues to evolve, it promises to keep the community at the forefront of employment and economic opportunities, making Washington County an increasingly attractive place to live, work, and thrive.

For more information on the Washington County Career Center Adult Technical Training, visit www.thecareercenter.net.

An EHOVE Career Center Student's Journey to Surgical Technology Success

Career tech education provides students with the tools to identify a path to success through opportunities to explore and acquire the academic knowledge and technical skills needed for their future careers. EHOVE Career Center student Olivia Conley of Sandusky is making the most of those opportunities by choosing a path that will make the career of her dreams a reality.

Conley started her journey in EHOVE High School’s Medical Careers program and graduated in 2023. After learning the fundamentals of working in medicine, earning her State Tested Nurse Aide certification, and exploring the career possibilities, she chose to attend EHOVE Adult Education’s Surgical Technology occupational program.

When she graduates from EHOVE Adult Education in July, she plans to work as a surgical technologist to gain the experience she needs for, and to fund the remainder of, her education to become a Registered Nurse First Assistant, which is an RN who works in surgical care during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative stages of surgery.

That path is a lot different than she’d seen for herself just a few years earlier. “Before attending EHOVE in high school, I never planned on continuing my education after high school,” said Conley. “I was the first in my family to graduate high school, let alone continue my education after. When I started EHOVE, my plan changed for the better. I became more confident in myself and my education. I started making plans for my future, and I knew that I wanted to do more with my education. I would have never made it this far in my education without EHOVE staff and resources. There are so many educators that believed in me and helped me so much through my education.”

Through a clinical rotation of EHOVE’s Surgical Technology program, she is acquiring real-world experience in the operating room at Cleveland Clinic’s Avon location and making professional connections. “Throughout Olivia's time in the program, it has become abundantly clear that she possesses an exceptional array of strengths and qualities that truly set her apart,” said Diane Moderwell, Certified Surgical Technologist and Lead Tech who supervises Conley.

“Her unwavering commitment to patient care is nothing short of inspiring. With a rare blend of compassion, precision, and attention to detail, she consistently demonstrates her ability to provide the highest standard of care to those in need," Moderwell said. "EHOVE's program has an unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with its rigorous curriculum and hands-on training opportunities, which has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping Olivia into the remarkable individual she is today.”

“I am beyond excited for my future career as a surgical technologist,” said Conley. “This is a huge stepping stone for me, and I cannot wait to continue my education even further after. I know that there will be ups and downs, like every career, but I know confidently that I am being prepared for the real world.”

Yesteryear’s negative image of career tech education is repeatedly being proven as something quite different. Today's (and tomorrow’s) reality of career tech education is that it provides students with real-world experience, specific skills with the latest technology, and relevant industry certifications that enable them to get a jumpstart on an in-demand career and further education. Olivia Conley is just one of many thousands of students across Ohio each year that already know this firsthand and are making the most of it for their future.

A Future Enhanced, A Dream Fulfilled

Overcoming personal challenges, Basic Police Officer Training Graduate Josh Dillard aims to make a community impact

Four years ago, Josh Dillard realized that he needed to make a change. His job was leaving him unfulfilled and wanting more. His physical health was not in a good place, leaving him tired and wanting to do more than his body was allowing him. Both situations left him wondering what was in store for his future should he remain on the same path.

In 2020, Dillard admitted that he was stuck in a false sense of comfort. Change wasn’t something that he naturally welcomed. It took a radio ad, a long look in the mirror, and a good friend to ask the blunt question, “Are you going to live the way you’re living forever, or are you going to make a change?”

The idea of becoming a police officer had been present from a young age. Dillard said he had trouble managing his weight growing up and, as much as he wanted to explore law enforcement as a career, self-doubt crept in and prevented him from pursuing it. After a brief attempt at college and working odd jobs, Dillard went on to take a job as an industrial maintenance technician, specializing in maintaining overhead cranes. He did this for 12 years, but there was still a fire smoldering within driving him to want more.

Married and with children, Dillard responded to his friend’s question and made the decision to go after his dream of becoming a police officer. However, being in his mid-30s, standing under six feet tall, and weighing more than 350 pounds, there was still a sizable obstacle in the way of accomplishing that dream: himself.

Dillard said he began his journey of becoming a peace officer two years before signing up for the Eastland-Fairfield Basic Police Officer Training program, known as the Eastland Police Academy. Once he decided to chase his dream, he started preparing himself for the physical rigors of the program and job. Dillard completely changed his diet. He exercised. He ran, a lot. He did everything to achieve the standards just to get into the program, but he still wasn’t where he needed or wanted to be.

“Everything, physically, was still a struggle for me,” said Dillard.

“I had to work every single day at it. Even the days we didn’t have PT (physical training) for class I was out running the parking lot or running out at the track. Me and a couple other cadets would meet early before class and we’d go run just to make sure we could do it when it was time to actually do it.”

His family supported him. His fellow cadets held him accountable. He pushed himself through days when motivation was low. Over time, the payoff became real. The weight continued to fall off and muscle took its place.

Dillard lost 150 pounds and weighed in at 203 pounds on his final day of training.

“When I graduated, that was probably the healthiest I’ve been since I was in middle school,” said Dillard. “My sleeping was better. My breathing was better. My overall health was exponentially better.”

As a by-product of his physical health improving, his class marks improved. He became a class leader. Then, 10 short months after starting the BPOT program, he was congratulated by his instructors and accepted his certificate of completion with a job already in hand.

“Once I actually got my certificate, it was disbelief,” said Dillard. “I don’t even know that, wearing the uniform now, it’s fully hit me that this is what I did and this is where I am.”

Due to the relationships built with the BPOT program instructors, Dillard made an impression on Buckeye Lake Police Chief, Jason Harget. Seeing his skill and determination, Harget recruited Dillard to join his team in the Buckeye Lake Police Department as an auxiliary police officer and had a badge waiting for him after being awarded his OPOTA certification.

While Dilliard’s story could have easily and happily ended at this moment, the newly minted police officer had bigger aspirations. Dillard grew up in

Columbus and attended Groveport Madison High School. Both left a significant and positive impact on his life. While grateful for the opportunity to begin his career in the Buckeye Lake Police Department, he set a goal to eventually serve the community in which he was raised. Chief Harget convinced Officer Dilliard that getting experience would lead him to where he wanted to be and that he would help. Chief Harget was true to his word and, when a position in the Groveport Police Department became available, Dillard was the first in line and earned the job.

“Groveport is an area that I grew up in. I wanted to give back to my community,” said Dillard. “That is something that I always felt was important to me, that if I am going to put a uniform on, I want to do it for the people that I grew up with in the area that I grew up in so that I feel like I am giving back something to the community.”

Officer Dillard joined the Groveport PD staff in October 2023. He is approaching the first anniversary of his graduation from the Eastland Police Academy, but he’s not done dreaming. Currently, he is keeping the streets of Groveport safe while working the overnight shift. He is committed to more deeply connecting with the citizens of Groveport by investing time and effort into fostering relationships, participating in community events, and becoming recognizable for all the right reasons.

Much has changed for Dillard in his personal and professional world since he decided to pursue his dream nearly four years and 150 pounds ago. He said, “If I hadn’t enrolled in the program, I would not be where I am today. My weight would still be probably hovering around the 300-pound range. I would still be doing nothing on my off days. This forced me to be better. This was a good change as far as my health was concerned for my personal life … this was necessary to ensure that I got healthier for me, for my future career, and for my family.”

Dillard graduated as a member of the 114th squadron of the Eastland Police Academy. For more information about the Eastland-Fairfield Basic Police Officer Training program, please visit www.EastlandFairfield.com/bpot.

In-Demand Jobs Week

MAY 6-10, 2024

In-Demand Jobs Week is the statewide celebration of the jobs, industries, and skills that are in-demand in Ohio. Community leaders statewide are encouraged to partner in planning engaging events and activities that will inspire excitement and awareness among students and job seekers.

The heart of opportunity.

What kind of events can I host?

There are several different events that schools, businesses, and community organizations can host during In-Demand Jobs Week. Here are just a few examples:

Career Fairs & Hiring Events

Host a recruiting event with local businesses in the area at a school or community space.

Open House / Facility Tours

Invite community members, schools, and prospective employees to come to your business so they can see the types of careers you offer and the space they could work in.

Roundtable Discussions

Host local business and education leaders to talk about industry needs and how you can work together to better your community.

Networking Event

Work with a local business (like a restaurant or coffee shop) to host a networking event to foster connections with other businesses and community leaders.

Host a Resume ‘How-To’ Class

Invite students and community members to a resume building class and show them what employers are looking for in a resume.

Career ‘Signing Days’

Do you have students who are ‘committing’ to a career right after graduation? Help celebrate them by hosting a career signing day at your school.

How can I spread the word about my event?

Outside of sending emails, invitations, or posting about your event on social media, you can share your event on the official In-Demand Jobs Week Interactive map (TopJobs.Ohio.gov/week). This interactive map will list all events being hosted for In-Demand Jobs Week 2024. To add your event to the map, submit your event name, date/time, and description to In-DemandJobs@jfs.ohio.gov

Need help planning your event or have questions? Send us an email at: In-DemandJobs@jfs.ohio.gov.

Gaining Phlebotomy Skills in High School is a Win-Win

High school students studying healthcare programs at Penta Career Center in Perrysburg, Ohio are getting the best of both worlds through a unique educational partnership with the school’s Adult Postsecondary division. During the past few years, Penta has provided tuition-free phlebotomy courses during the second semester of the school year for high school students.

“Phlebotomy has always been a popular course for area adults, but recently, more of our high school students are taking advantage of the opportunity to take the course while still in high school,” said Phil Stockwell, supervisor of workforce development/regional programs at Penta Career Center. “During our current semester we had so much interest that we added an additional section so we now have two instructors.”

This semester, 22 high school students are taking the phlebotomy course and seven adults are also enrolled. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (March, 2024), phlebotomy employment is expected to grow eight percent within the next decade, which verifies that there continues to be high demand.

By: Monica K. Dansack, public relations coordinator at Penta Career Center

Photo Credits: Brant Baker, Adult-Post Secondary coordinator at Penta Career Center & Monica K. Dansack

"The course has saved me money and it’s preparing me for nursing school.”

Kaitlyn Ingle, a senior from Swanton, Ohio

Penta’s high school students are pleased with the program because it’s a win-win scenario for them. Not only are students earning a career passport, industry-credentials, and a high school diploma upon completing their healthcare programs, but they are also gaining an industry-recognized credential in phlebotomy. The students will become Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPTs) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) once they complete the 100-hour course.

Students realize that the course offers tremendous opportunities, critical skills, preparation for college, and cost savings.

“Phlebotomy is going to give me hands-on experience and more skills,” said Kaitlyn Ingle, a senior from Swanton, Ohio. “Plus, the course has saved me money and it’s preparing me for nursing school.”

Other students such as Tristan Thompson, a senior from Maumee, Ohio, is hoping phlebotomy will land him a job while he’s on a gap year from college. “I want to get a job right after this class is completed so I can get immediate experience in a hospital or clinical setting,” Thompson said.

Convenience is another important benefit the students receive by taking phlebotomy. The course is offered at a convenient time, two evenings per week after their high school classes are completed for the day. The students really like that the course takes place in their own school building and in their own classroom.

“Phlebotomy is a good opportunity to get a new certification,” said Eona Janto, a senior from Perrysburg, Ohio. “It’s very convenient to have the course after school and in the Penta building.”

Teaching the course for both high school students and adults in a combined class has been a good experience, according to Dina Retske, instructor, who also works as a lab technician assistant for Mercy Health-St. Anne Hospital in Toledo.

“The high school students learn a lot from the adults and the adults learn important study skills from the students,” said Retske. “They really are all on the same level and it’s a very humbling experience.”

Throughout the course, students have regular classwork and clinical training. Not only do they practice venipunctures and capillary sticks, but they also learn how to perform blood cultures.

Although the students are juggling many deadlines and assignments by taking another course after school hours, they believe it helps them create better balance in their school and personal life.

“You need to practice good time management,” said Oluwafeyikemi Adeyemo, a senior from Maumee, Ohio. “It’s hectic and packed with material, but I’m able to balance both my high school medical technologies class and phlebotomy at the same time. In the end, I’ll be success ready.”

A special thank you to all of those who contributed stories and articles:

Robust Robotics

Dom Fonce | Staff Writer | MCCTC Adult Career Center

Jodi Glass | Recruiter and Marketing Coordinator | MCCTC Adult Career Center

Mary Mihalopoulos | Supervisor | MCCTC Adult Career Center

Fostering Economic Growth through Strategic Collaboration

Lori Smith | Marketing/Recruiting, Adult Technical Training | The Washington County Career Center

An EHOVE Career Center Student's Journey to Surgical Technology Success

Laura Dowdell | Adult Education Director | EHOVE Career Center

A Transformative Journey through the Eastland-Fairfield Basic Police Officer Training Program

Ryan Gasser | Coordinator of Communications & Marketing | Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools

High School Students Gain Phlebotomy Skills

Monica K. Dansack | Public relations coordinator | Penta Career Center

Brant Baker | Adult-Post Secondary coordinator | Penta Career Center

A special thank you to Bill Bussey, Executive Director of the Ohio Technical Centers, for your dedication in compiling stories for this newsletter. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Thanks for reading ConnectED. If you have any story suggestions, links to articles of interest, or news releases to share, feel free to send them to Jeff Robinson at jrobinson@highered.ohio.gov.

Photo: Polaris Career Center