FINDLAY, Ohio — A new statewide workforce development program is being launched in Hancock County.
As part of an initiative from the Ohio Manufacturers Association, a new program called WorkAdvance in Hancock County aims to put people on the fast track to a career. The goal is to train up to 70 people to be ready for an entry-level manufacturing job and to grow another 40 current employees' skillsets for career growth.
And this will all be done in two weeks, where individuals will receive job readiness training in soft skills, a math refresher and learn technical skills.
"[They'll learn] what does it take to be in manufacturing, what is assembly, what is the process like of manufacturing from beginning to end," said Tricia Valasek, executive director of Raise the Bar Hancock County. "And then how do they do some of the simple tasks within that."
Raise the Bar partnered with Owens Community College, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Habitat for Humanity of Hancock County's Financial Opportunity Center. Those who go through the program will receive up to a year of one-on-one life coaching through the Financial Opportunity Center.
Along with jump-starting people's job search, the program has already lined up potential employers once the training is complete.
"Not only are they going to be able to apply for some of these jobs, there are employers who have indicated that they would interview these individuals," said Jennifer Galbraith, workforce development coach with the Financial Opportunity Center.
The first round of classes for the Hancock County WorkAdvance program is scheduled to run for the last two weeks of June, so you'll need to sign up soon.
Those interested are asked to reach out to Jennifer Galbraith at Jen.Galbraith@habitatfindlay.org.
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