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BUILDING OHIO'S
Winter 2022 Volume 10 Issue 1
WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW
INSIDE: > BGSU student to begin career in robotics after graduation > New Aircraft Mechanic Training Center to prepare students for in-demand careers > Hands-on training prepares students for the future of manufacturing > The Short-Term Certificate Grant Program brings Ohio students one step closer to an in-demand job
Photo: Ohio University
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A Message from Chancellor Randy Gardner January is famously a chance for new beginnings, a chance to build new habits and set new goals. If launching a career or finding a new job is on your list for 2022, you’ll be glad to know that many Ohio businesses are eager to provide that opportunity. And if continuing your education is your goal, Ohio can help with that, too. This issue of ConnectED highlights how Ohio colleges, universities, and adult technical centers are working to provide students with the education and training they need to succeed in their chosen career path while providing Ohio with a pipeline of skilled workers. Ian Kennedy, a student in the mechatronics engineering technology program at Bowling Green State University, recently had a chance to talk with Governor Mike DeWine on the governor’s visit to campus about not only how BGSU has prepared him to succeed in an in-demand field, but also the importance of hands-on training for the state’s workforce. Recognizing the importance of training with state-of-the-art equipment, Sinclair Community College, the City of Dayton, and the Dayton International Airport – in conjunction with PSA Airlines – are collaborating to meet the growing need for aircraft mechanics. And a customized apprenticeship program with Lorain County Community College is helping Ridge Tool Company train tomorrow’s advanced manufacturers. Ohio’s colleges and technical centers understand that getting a credential quickly to compete in an indemand field is important. They are taking advantage of ODHE’s Short-Term Certificate Grant Program to provide financial aid to their students, who in turn will bolster their region’s workforce. Our higher education institutions have ambitious goals for the new year. Keeping their students and the business community ConnectED is critical to reaching them.
IN THIS ISSUE: BGSU student to begin career in robotics after graduation Mechatronics engineering technology major Ian Kennedy put on a robotics demonstration for the governor.
New Aircraft Mechanic Training Center to prepare students for in-demand careers Sinclair Community College's new Aircraft Mechanic Training Center will be housed at the Dayton International Airport.
Hands-on training prepares students for the future of manufacturing Customized apprenticeship program with Lorain County Community College helps Ridge Tool Company train tomorrow’s workforce.
Short and Sweet The Short-Term Certificate Grant Program brings Ohio students one step closer to an in-demand job.
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BGSU STUDENT TO BEGIN CAREER IN ROBOTICS AFTER GRADUATION Mechatronics engineering technology major Ian Kennedy put on robotics demonstration for governor BY BOB CUNNINGHAM ’18 [LINK] When some people picture robots, they think science fiction. When Ian Kennedy thinks about robots, he sees the future of Ohio’s industrial workforce. The senior, who was set to graduate from Bowling Green State University this past December, recently shared his thoughts on the topic of Ohio's automated workforce with Governor Mike DeWine. He was on “pins and needles” when he gave a robotics demonstration to the governor in the Stephen and Deborah Harris/RIXAN Robotics Laboratory last fall at BGSU. Kennedy, who majored in mechatronics engineering technology in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering (CTAAE), was chosen for the exhibit to show the governor his senior project and because of his extensive experience working with robots. “My goal is to become a robotics engineer and master-certified in FANUC,” he said. “I thought I was well suited and well prepared, but it definitely was still nerve-wracking. He asked how my classes here at Bowling Green and my work in the lab have
helped me progress out in the field or on the job site. “I actually got to talk to him a decent amount of time — I think I went a little bit over. I went on to talk about the actual manufacturing system that I was working on and how important it is that handson work with this type of machinery is significant because Ohio is a massively industrialized state and robotics have an ever-increasing role.”
Preparing students for human-robot interaction The mechatronics engineering technology program at BGSU is an interdisciplinary field that prepares students to work with emerging technologies in robotics and advanced manufacturing. This indemand field includes the design, development, implementation, automation, and management of robotics system technologies such as industrial robotics manipulators, automated guided vehicles, navigation and inspection, assistive robotics, device technologies, human-robot interaction, and many other applications. Mechatronics and robotics professionals design, (continued on next page)
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integrate, and maintain automated and intelligent systems. These professionals conduct their work in laboratories, offices, or on-site at advanced manufacturing and logistics facilities. Kennedy, who attended the Millstream Career Center in Findlay City Schools, developed an interest in robotics and robot competitions while in high school. He was drawn to BGSU because it had just unveiled its mechatronics engineering technology program and lab at the time. “I was given a tour prior to the start of the program opening, and they had a bunch of Mitsubishi Delta SCARA robots in that lab that I really got interested in,” said Kennedy. “Plus, it was a four-year program — I really wanted the background knowledge of engineering so that when I go out into the industry, it's not just about the robot. I will understand the other components, equipment, and what the robot interacts with and communicates with.”
Internship opens door for immediate employment Kennedy spent last summer as an intern with Perrysburg-based RōBEX, a precision integrator of industrial robots that designs, builds, and installs custom robotic systems that improve productivity and safety through industrial, collaborative, and autonomous mobile robots. Cal Bowers, vice president of growth at RōBEX, said Kennedy completed MiR Academy, a training resource for autonomous mobile robots, and played a key role in supporting a packaging company for WINTER 2022
mobile industrial robots (MiR) programming — a “very large project for a critical customer.” Kennedy also learned to program AutoGuide robots. Kennedy was offered a job at RōBEX at the end of his internship and worked part-time during his final semester at BGSU, with a plan to start working fulltime after graduation. “It is always satisfying to have our graduates find immediate job placement in the robotics and automation industry,” said Dr. Mohammad Mayyas, BGSU professor of robotics and mechatronics engineering technology. “The mechatronics engineering program offered Ian practice on stateof-the-art, integrated manufacturing equipment during his senior capstone project. Together with his interest and extensive co-op preparation, Ian was able to grow hands-on skills while in the College. This made it easy for him to secure a job at RōBEX upon graduation. "Today, Ian’s commitment to learning has become an example to his employer for what the workforce market needs.” At RōBEX, Kennedy is learning the FANUC RoboGuide to complete robot simulations and programmable logic controllers (PLC) programming. “Ian came into his internship with RōBEX with extreme confidence and a high level of composure with regard to his expectations of the position and the various requirements that would be expected of him,” Bowers said. “The educational foundation BGSU and the mechatronics engineering technology program provided truly prepared him for ultimate
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success in his role here. We incorporated a variety of projects that needed collaboration, expertise, clear understanding, and patience to reach the goals set by the team, and Ian exceeded every expectation we set for him.”
the program each year. RōBEX looks forward to providing unique insight and an invaluable partnership with BGSU moving forward.”
Ohio’s ‘workforce of tomorrow’
“Bowling Green has these types of robots that you can train on and learn about them,” he said. “You can go on and step on any industry floor here in Ohio and other states and with just a little bit of updating on how to operate their machinery. How cool is that?
Kennedy gave credit to the mechatronics lab at BGSU for preparing him for a career in robotics. “They really press heavy on the industrial side of things in the lab,” he said. “Everything I learned in the robotics lab I was able to apply to my first internship. From going to classes, I was able to recognize the equipment, machinery, and components from the lab and take what I've learned in the lab and apply to the actual industry. Bowers pointed to the importance of having the BGSU mechatronics engineering technology program in northwest Ohio.
BGSU is putting students who aspire to work in the robotics field in an enviable position, Kennedy said.
“After I graduate from Bowling Green, I will continue to work at RōBEX. Currently, I'm an automation engineer. My goal is to work my way up, learn robotics as much as possible, specifically FANUC and MiR applications, and then possibly become a robotics engineer.”
“The ‘workforce of tomorrow’ is going to be one that is very competitive, highly skilled, and extremely focused on complete understanding of a broad spectrum of efficiencies within so many industries, especially in the world of automation and advanced manufacturing facilities,” said Bowers, a BGSU alumnus. “BGSU’s mechatronics engineering technology program has risen to a very high level of excellence in the overall preparation and core competencies for the graduates who come through
“I think the whole machine shop that they have there is incredible. A lot of that is, I think, very crucial in knowing how parts and how things are created when you design or model them.” Kennedy said the faculty in the program are great to work with and have expertise in many areas.
“I really appreciated working with Resmi Krishnankuttyrema (assistant teaching professor in CTAAE),” he said. “She's my mentor; I’ve had her for most of my electrical classes, and I've been able to learn a lot from her. “Dr. Mohammad Mayyas has been significant to the engineering technology program in general here at Bowling Green because I think with the industry in Ohio there are thousands and thousands of robots that are used throughout the state. With him coming in and starting this robotics program, it will pay significant dividends within the near future.” WINTER 2022
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NEW AIRCRAFT MECHANIC TRAINING CENTER TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR IN-DEMAND CAREERS
[LINK]
Sinclair Community College, the City of Dayton, and the Dayton International Airport – in conjunction with PSA Airlines – are collaborating to meet the growing need for aircraft mechanics. On December 15, 2021, plans were unveiled for a new Aircraft Mechanic Training Center that will be housed in a renovated hangar at the Dayton International Airport.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent through 2030. A total of 14,400 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Annual salaries range between $50,000 and $75,000.
The training center will contain two classrooms and two lab spaces, and will be dedicated to aircraft mechanics and aviation service maintenance coursework and hands-on training. The renovation will accommodate commercial aircraft, equipment, and training/lab space for instruction.
The total cost of the project is $1,014,000. Sinclair College has committed $560,000 for educational materials, including training aids and displays, furniture, and renovation costs. The City of Dayton Department of Aviation will contribute $204,000 toward the renovation of the hangar. The partners
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are seeking additional federal and state funding for the project. “Sinclair College is committed to working with employers and partners to address the needs of our community. The new aircraft mechanic training center will provide exceptional education for students while reinforcing Sinclair’s commitment to building the workforce in Montgomery County and the Dayton region,” said Sinclair College President Dr. Steve Johnson. “The continued successful growth of our community depends on access to high-quality and welltrained personnel for in-demand careers.” “Graduates of this program will be wellpositioned for highpaying mechanic and maintenance jobs locally with PSA Airlines, Air Wisconsin, and other airline and aviation companies,” said Gilbert Turner, director of aviation at the Dayton International Airport. “This partnership will strengthen the viability of the Dayton region’s air travel economy.” “The building of this facility in our back yard will provide PSA Airlines with a more highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will help us fill workforce gaps,” said PSA Airlines President Dion Flannery. “We are committed to growing our mutually beneficial partnership with Sinclair over the years to strengthen the local aviation community.” “The new Aircraft Mechanic Training Center brings together an incredible team to help prepare students for critical roles in our nation’s aircraft and aviation industry. These in-demand jobs enable safe
travel and trade around the world. We’re grateful to Sinclair College, the City of Dayton, and the Dayton International Airport for developing a way to give students a pathway to a successful career,” said Jeff Hoagland, president and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition. “Finding the right talent for available positions is vital to economic success, especially in today’s business climate. This investment gives us the ability to point to a respected and reliable pipeline of highly trained aircraft mechanics, and that puts the Dayton region miles ahead of other communities when it comes to attracting investment in the aviation industry,” said Chris Kershner, president & CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re fortunate to have Sinclair’s expertise and commitment to fulfilling the needs of our business community. It allows us to continue to drive economic growth.” When the renovation of the hangar is complete, Sinclair College will expand its existing aviation maintenance programs into the new space at the Dayton International Airport, creating the largest program capacity in Ohio. Classes will be conducted at both the new facility and Sinclair’s downtown campus. The new training center is expected to be complete and open in early 2023. Over the past five years, 240 degrees and certificates have been awarded through Sinclair’s Aviation Maintenance programs. To learn more about Sinclair’s Aviation Technology programs, visit sinclair.edu/aviation. WINTER 2022
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HANDS-ON TRAINING PREPARES STUDENT
A CUSTOMIZED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM helps RIDGE TOOL COMPANY train tomorr Ridge Tool Company, the maker of RIDGID-branded products, knows how to manufacture tools that stand the test of time. The company invented its first pipe wrench in 1923, and it is still a favorite among plumbers today. The leaders of Ridge Tool know exactly why their tools hold their value: they solve problems. “In the early 1900s, there was no convenient way to hold a pipe, and that meant plumbers were banging their knuckles during installs and repairs. Our pipe wrench solved that problem,” said Joe Hofferth, plant manager at RIDGID. “That original design is
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still used on jobsites today, yet as a company we’ve evolved with our customers to create the advanced tools they also need – tools that solve problems using technology, connectivity, and more.” Today, Ridge Tool and manufacturing companies nationwide face their own problem: A shortage of skilled labor that’s exacerbated by an aging workforce. Ridge Tool’s solution, in part, is building a foundation for the future of skilled talent through apprenticeship programs. “As a company, we view ourselves as not simply tool
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TS FOR THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING
with LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE row’s advanced manufacturing workforce [LINK] makers, but also solution providers,” said Adam Smithberger, manager of manufacturing technical services at Ridge Tool. “We constantly look for ways to help our customers in the trades fill their skills gap with training and continuing education; now we’re looking at ways to help our own manufacturing facilities feed their talent pipeline.”
nationally, Ridge Tool provides scholarships, tools, and continuing education with several national organizations such as SkillsUSA, PHCC, MCAA, and NECA, to name a few. Locally the company provides additional training opportunities through its own multi-craft maintenance technician apprenticeship program – a program that’s certified by the state of Ohio.
Partnering to create a hands-on apprenticeship program
Ridge Tool created the customized training program in partnership with Lorain County Community
To support trade-focused apprenticeships
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College. Hofferth said it was an easy choice to select LCCC, which has been the leader in the area for higher education. “Ridge Tool’s philosophy and approach to skills training are very similar to LCCC’s,” he said. “We know that hands-on learning is the best; you can’t learn in a classroom alone. You have to be able to put your hands on the tools and use them in a reallife situation again and again. Plus, LCCC is in our back yard. They are a part of our community and recognize the need to partner with local companies to thrive in Lorain County.”
Gaining skills today for the manufacturing of tomorrow Apprentices know it’s a valuable program that requires a commitment of both time and focus to reach the end goal. For participants such as Justin Wetherbee, being part of the program means balancing his full-time work schedule with his demanding class load. “It’s been a challenge moving to night shift, trying to be able to spend time with my wife and kids while working so much and having class,” he said. The LCCC staff has helped ease the load. “The professors have worked with us to be able to get more done in the classroom instead of outside during work hours or family time,” Wetherbee said. Another student, Jarrett Gerken, said the skills they’re learning in the classroom are immediately applicable to their workday, creating tangible benefits that outweigh the sacrifices.
This shared philosophy allowed Ridge Tool and LCCC to build a program focused on the right skillsets for each apprentice. Apprentices complete 10,000 on-the-job hours and 1,000 contact hours at LCCC, which can then be applied to an associate degree program. The cost of LCCC’s tuition and supplies is paid for by Ridge Tool. Hofferth said it’s an investment in people who will have the training, experience, and knowledge to operate in today’s more tech-heavy manufacturing environment. “By having an apprenticeship program, we are in the best control of our future,” Hofferth said. “And this investment in our employees’ growth and development is a win-win for both parties.” WINTER 2022
“The coursework and workload at my job really make the concepts that we have learned come full circle,” Gerken said. Gerken and Wetherbee expect to complete the program in 2023 and both know they’ll gain skills that will lead them into the future of advanced manufacturing. “I have always been interested in technology and automation, which are two things that are currently being incorporated with industry more than ever before,” Gerken said. “I know that the apprenticeship will give me an advantage in an everevolving career field.”
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Building a better community through collaboration Hofferth said the changing career field that made Gerken interested in the apprenticeship program has kept Ridge Tool in close contact with LCCC to adjust the program’s curriculum as needed. “Over the years, the skillsets required have changed due to the use of more advanced machine tools, robotics, and automation,” Hofferth said. “Working closely with the team at LCCC and our current tradespeople, we developed a more diverse curriculum that addressed these gaps and was specifically tailored to the needs of the operation.” The Ridge Tool team doesn’t see the need for change slowing down. But the apprenticeship
program helps them stay prepared by building a workforce ready for whatever the future brings. “If the heart of a business is the skilled tradesperson, like the master craftsman or master plumber, then the future of a business is the apprentice,” Smithberger said. Gerken has internalized that responsibility and said the program already has him looking ahead. “The ability to work and go to school gives workers the most comprehensive perspective of this career field,” Gerken said. “Next I plan to pursue one of the automation engineering degrees offered by LCCC, which shares many of the credits I’ve already earned through the apprenticeship.” That mentality is what Ridge Tool leadership hopes for from apprentices who complete the program. Raising educational attainment in Lorain County, while ensuring local manufacturing companies have the skilled workers they need, brings the partnership to the next level. “Having a higher education institution with dedicated training that is manufacturingrelated is a big plus for a community,” Hofferth said. “The relationship between Ridge Tool and LCCC really is building a better community through individual employees and local businesses.”
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Short & Sweet The Short-Term Certificate Grant Program brings Ohio students one step closer to an in-demand job Achieving postsecondary degrees and credentials is more important than ever before for our nation, our state, and individuals who strive for a better future. This is evident based on quantifiable qualityof-life statistics as well as fundamental unemployment and wage rates. The DeWine administration continues to drive policies that will move Ohio forward on this critical issue. One example is through short-term certificates. These certificates can be completed in less than one year and lead to a credential required to qualify for an in-demand job as determined by a local and regional needs assessment. The Ohio Department of Higher Education has distributed $3.5 million to 23 community colleges and 32 Ohio Technical Centers (OTC) for need-based financial aid to students who are enrolled in a short-term certificate program at a state-supported community college, state community college, technical college, or OTC. •
The maximum award is up to $2,000 per short-term certificate with a student potentially receiving up to three awards for different short-term certificates. The student must successfully complete one short-term certificate before receiving an award for another short-term certificate. The total minimum number of students receiving grants will be 1,750.
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Recipients of these grants will enter in-demand occupations such as nurse aide, phlebotomy, medical coding, health information management, welding, machine tooling, real estate, sales, CDL, Peace Officer Basic Training, computer programming, and cybersecurity.
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The grant begins in January 2022 and continues through December 30, 2023.
These investments will support the ability of the state of Ohio to retain and expand existing businesses, attract new investments and talent, and further entrepreneurship while providing opportunities for more Ohioans to work in an in-demand job field.
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Photo: Kent State Stark15
A special thank you to all of those who contributed stories and articles: BGSU student to begin career in robotics after graduation Michael Bratton | Media Strategist, Office of Marketing & Brand Strategy | Bowling Green State University
New Aircraft Mechanic Training Center to prepare students for in-demand careers Cathy Petersen | Chief of Public Information | Sinclair Community College
Hands-on training prepares students for the future of manufacturing Steve Sefchik | Manager, Advertising and Communications | Lorain County Community College
Short and Sweet Lauri White, Ed.D. | Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Engagement | Ohio Department of Higher Education 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.
