ARCHBOLD, Ohio — Northwest State Community College is aiming to meet industry job demands by introducing a short-term program to earn industry-recognized manufacturing certificates.
The Industrial Automation and Computer Aided Manufacturing programs will be condensed into a six-week, one-credit hour course to be more accessible to non-traditional students looking to expand their skill set.
"These are individuals who have gone out into the workplace, maybe tried some things out for 4 or 5 years, and they want to come back because they want to improve their life, get economic mobility, they want to learn a skill," NSCC President Todd Hernandez said.
The program will continue every six weeks, except during summer months, and is designed to be flexible for busy schedules and lives.
"If you're 18 and you don't have anything going on besides school, this probably isn't for you," Ryan Hamilton, NSCC dean of STEM and Industrial Technologies, said. "But, if you've got a job, a family, other commitments that you have to worry about that makes fitting school in difficult, this is for you."
The program is funded by a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Strengthening Community College Training Grants program.
NSCC leaders say they were awarded the funding because of the strong relationships the school has with local manufacturers who helped lay out the program.
"It is focused on being absolutely accessible and leading to in-demand jobs right here in our back yard," grant program manager Audrey Lehman said.
The opportunities don't end with NSCC's new offering, though. Hamilton said those who participate in it are are set up to continue their education.
"If they wish to continue beyond this, they can continue on to other degrees including a two-year (at NSCC) or a four-year elsewhere," Hamilton said. "That can continue moving them more forward, more acceleration, more promotion as they continue to move up in their job."
The short-term certificate programs will launch in March and enrollment is currently open. To learn more, click here.