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.