PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A new partnership has created a way for those interested in the human services industry to get a hands-on look at the field while getting paid and learning about the trade.
Owens Community College (OCC) teamed up with Wood County Job and Families Services (JFS), to offer the Peer Specialist Apprenticeship Program (PSAP), where students can gain work and professional experiences before stating within the human services industry.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a shortage of 74,000 social workers per year for several years, due to things like burnout, high turnover and recruitment challenges.
OCC Dean of Liberal Arts Michael Sander said the goal is to help bridge the gap by letting students know what they're in for while also helping them get proper knowledge before they officially start their careers.
"To really try to meet the needs of our community and human services, especially in children services," Sander said.
The PSAP is 2,000-hours paid, allows students to gain hands-on experience in the field and is the first of its kind in Ohio.
Sander said this is a great way to springboard students into careers in the human services industry, like Child and Adult Protective Services, Income Maintenance and Fiscal Operations, among others.
"I hope we're setting them up to experience what the field is like and have the support system to help them navigate that as they continue on in their careers," Sander said.
It's maintained that during this program, students be able to fulfill their curriculum and obtain their associate degrees, while also being eligible to transition into a Child Protective Services Fellowship program.
The Apprenticeship Program is available to eligible students and interested parties. To learn more or apply for the program, click HERE.