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Job training initiative announced for LCCC, others
ELYRIA, Jan 15, 2012 (AP): Ohio Gov. John Kasich was expected Monday to announce plans for training programs at three community colleges that will aim to provide certain groups of people with job skills and employment services.
The work force development initiative would include one-year pilot programs at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Columbus State Community College and Lorain County Community College in Elyria.
``We need to make sure they are training people for the jobs that (need) to be filled and the skills that are in demand,'' Connie Wehrkamp, Kasich's deputy press secretary, told The Plain Dealer in Cleveland.
The newspaper said Lorain County Community College would offer career development targeting minorities that are disproportionately unemployed, such as blacks and Latinos. A Columbus State Community College program would help young people learn more about several career fields and entry-level skills. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College plans extra training for struggling graduates of a local food service industry training program.
The schools are expected to use the funding, resources and relationships they already have to launch the programs, with a boost from any attention raised by Kasich.
``The governor's office has the benefit of the bully pulpit,'' LCCC President Roy Church told The Plain Dealer. ``He can raise visibility in ways that I can't. We need to have the business community committed to the programs so that as the people complete these programs they are assured to at least getting an interview.''
Wehrkamp told The Columbus Dispatch that work force development efforts are among Kasich's 2012 policy priorities.
``This is something that the governor wanted to make a priority and ensure that folks in these populations have access to programs like this,'' she said.
If the pilot program in Columbus happens as planned this summer, it will give about 30 high school students the chance to develop insight and skills in several industries, such as bioscience, graphics and gaming or manufacturing, the Dispatch said. They'll also get training to help with steps of finding a job, such as writing a resume and interviewing for a position.
The Lorain County program would likely be longer, placing students in a six- or nine-month training program and helping to connect them with employers, Church told The Plain Dealer.
He said the program could be replicated at other community colleges if it's successful.
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