SPOTLIGHT ON OHIO TECHNICAL CENTERS
FLOORING FUTURES LAUNCHED
Tri-County Career Center partners with flooring professionals for new industry-certified program
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> How training at Washington County Career Center launched a leader
> Connect with Ohio’s future workforce at the Gen Z Virtual Career Fair
> Empowering Futures: Adult Education and Industry Collaboration in Southwest Ohio podcast
> Tri-County Career Center partners with flooring professionals for new industry-certified program
> Adult learners thrive at Buckeye Career Center
Photo: Delaware Area Career Center
A Message from Chancellor Mike Duffey
As the weather (finally!) begins to warm up and the academic year gives way to summer break, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all the work that goes into preparing students for their future careers right here in Ohio, “The Heart of Education.”
There’s no single approach to career path exploration. Students can explore skilled trades, certificates, two-year degrees, and four-year degrees. All can lead to great outcomes. The important thing is to explore.
The spring issue of ConnectED focuses specifically on Ohio’s 49 Technical Centers that develop hands-on technical skills such as HVAC, law enforcement, emergency medicine, welding, nursing, CNC machining, and so much more. These jobs are enjoying a resurgence, and some programs even have wait lists!
In this issue, we’ll learn about a graduate of the chemical operator/technical program at Washington County Career Center, a new industry-certified flooring program at Tri-County Career Center, the Adult Diploma Program, and ways adult education and industry are collaborating in southwest Ohio to ensure bright futures for the region’s workforce.
Don’t forget: May 5-9 is In-Demand Jobs Week in Ohio!
This annual tradition highlights – through statewide hiring, education, and training events – career opportunities that provide job seekers with a path toward high-paying jobs, those for which employers are hiring right now.
For example, I recently was in a meeting with Anduril. The company is hiring right now and offering the ability for Ohioans to quickly grow in their roles as Anduril expands. It is an exciting – and technical – career path that is disrupting the way our nation approaches national defense. (For a humorous view of what work life could be like when Arsenal 1 is operating, search for “Don’t Work at Anduril” on YouTube.)
Ohio’s Technical Centers produce the talent pipeline companies such as Anduril (and others) are so eager to hire.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Flooring Futures Launched
Tri-County Career Center partners with flooring professionals for new industry-certified program
How Training at Washington County Career Center Launched a Leader
Meet Karrie Byrd, a proud graduate of the chemical operator/technician program at the Washington County Career Center
Connect with Ohio’s Future Workforce at the Gen Z Virtual Career Fair
More than 100 employers to connect with job seekers ages 27 and under at statewide virtual hiring event on April 29
Empowering Futures: Adult Education and Industry Collaboration in Southwest Ohio
Kim Gates shares how the Warren County Career Center is transforming lives through innovative technical education
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FLOORING FUTURES LAUNCHED
Tri-County Career Center partners with flooring professionals for new industry-certified program
Learning to lay down flooring is not just learning to lay down flooring. It’s potentially laying a foundation for a future; a future that is not far away with Tri-County Career Center High School and Adult Education in Nelsonville.
Tri-County has already offered two sessions of Introduction to Flooring, a professional floor-covering course created by Mark Farnsworth, the president of Professional Floorcovering Training. The school now has plans to offer the program to adults this summer.
After five days of of extensive, handson training from industry experts, students come away with a residential and commercial carpet certificate.
“It was amazing,” said Hunter Rutter, a 16-year-old student in Tri-County’s
Construction Trades program. “I think we learned a lot. I was actually able to lay carpet this weekend just learning off that one week.”
Tri-County and the industry professionals brought in by Professional Floorcovering Training first worked with the STAR Community Justice Center in Nelsonville to help rehabilitated individuals gain professional skills to help their reentry into society. After a successful cohort, the program was administered to Rutter and his classmates at Tri-County.
“I really enjoyed it. The instructors were really great. They obviously knew what they were doing and it was just fun,” said John Milam, 16. “We were intrigued and wanted to know the next thing that came out of their mouth, you wanted to know what it was going to be, what they were going to say, what information they were going to give you.”
Farnsworth grew up in the flooring industry, developed his expertise, and went on to create the first industry manual on flooring. His book — which every student receives — became the written word for the course to complement the knowledge delivered by flooring specialists. He said he noticed a need for younger, trained employees to enter the field.
“On day one, we bring in an industry expert who gets the material into their (students’) hands,” Farnsworth said. “You can talk about it, but once it’s in your hands and you flip it and you can see what she’s talking about in the construction and break it apart with your fingers, it tells the whole story.”
After the first day, students are knowledgeable enough about the product to enter the sales field if they wish. From there, master installers from across the country work with students to teach all the basics of flooring and, on the last day, professional soft skills and resume building.
“Our goal is to put a bunch of them out there as the beginner’s courses will let you work during the summer or after school or on the side to find out if you really like my trade,”
Farnsworth said.
After the week-long training, students receive their certification and are able to continue further education in the field through a six-week advanced course, also offered through Tri-County.
“They love it. They crushed it,” Adult Center Director Emily Boyer said of the students. “I think this is huge. There’s such a need for these skills. There’s an extreme shortage in the field and this is a good skill for them where they can even work on their own if they want.”
Farnsworth and Boyer both said skilled floorers can find work in any area of the country. “Everywhere needs floors,”
Farnsworth said.
A summer course is planned in conjunction with Hocking College. Tri-County offers financial assistance for those who qualify for the program. Pricing, dates of the program, and additional information can be found at www.adult.tricounty.cc or by calling 740-753-5464 or 800-637-6508.
How Training at Washington County Career Center Launched a Leader
Meet Karrie Byrd, a proud graduate of the chemical operator/technician program at the Washington County Career Center – Adult Technical Training
In 2021, Karrie Byrd took the first step toward a new career after hearing about Washington County Career Center's chemical operator/technician program from a friend. She was unemployed at the time. Karrie toured the school, was impressed by what she saw, and enrolled. By 2022, she had successfully completed her training and was immediately hired by ECO USA as a chemical operator.
During a class field trip, Karrie had the opportunity to tour ECO USA and meet the plant manager. Her curiosity, insightful questions, and eagerness to learn made an immediate impression, helping her secure her future with the company. Karrie was recently promoted to shift lead at the plant.
"I owe so much to the Career Center and the instructors who gave me the skills I needed", Karrie said. "All of my instructors were former plant workers who shared their real-world knowledge and expertise in a way that made learning hands-on and engaging. Their experience helped me excel in my training and I felt fully prepared for the job. This program opened up a whole new career path for me, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead!"
Karrie has been a strong advocate for the school and its training programs since her graduation. She proudly volunteered to appear on a billboard for the school's I Did It, You Can Too campaign, highlighting success stories. Karrie continues to inspire others; she recommended the program to her cousin Wyatt, who graduated in 2024 and is also now employed at ECO USA, following in her footsteps.
To learn more about the program, contact Lori Smith at 740.706.6840 or lsmith@thecareercenter.net.
CONNECT WITH OHIO’S FUTURE WORKFORCE AT THE GEN Z VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder announced that Ohioans ages 27 and younger can now register for the upcoming Gen Z Virtual Career Fair, hosted on OhioMeansJobs.com.
The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, and offers a valuable opportunity for young job seekers to connect with employers offering full-time, parttime, summer, and internship positions.
“This is a great opportunity for young people looking for any type of work,” said Director Damschroder. “More than 100 employers from across the state have already signed up to participate.”
Early registration allows employers to view resumes in advance and potentially schedule chats with candidates on the day of the event.
For Job Seekers
Register at app.brazenconnect.com/a/OMJ-2/e/KE9ol. Job seekers can select their preferred region and connect with employers in that area.
To make the most of the experience, an optional orientation session will be held on April 23 at 1 p.m. A recording will be available for those who are unable to attend.
For Employers
Employers can sign up at forms.office.com/g/ f2xFgG2fp8?origin=lprLink, email EmploymentServices@jfs. ohio.gov, or contact their local workforce specialist. To find your local contact, visit jfs.ohio.gov.
An employer orientation session is scheduled for April 23 at 3 p.m. and also will be recorded.
Additional Resources for Job Seekers
OhioMeansJobs.com and local OhioMeansJobs Centers offer free employment services, including job search assistance, resume building, interview practice, career assessments, and information about hiring events across the state.
Programs for Young Adults
Ohioans ages 14–24 may be eligible for the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP), which provides career coaching, tuition assistance, internships, mentoring, transportation help, and more.
Learn more at jfs.ohio.gov/ccmep.
For more information, contact EmploymentServices@jfs. ohio.gov by April 25
Empowering Futures: Adult Education and Industry Collaboration in Southwest Ohio with Kim Gates
Click here to listen: https://otcs.alitu.com/episode/081fdbba-20f1-4f11-8c56-e2b9aa8337f3
In the final episode of Season
One of the OTCs Podcast, Kim Gates (left), director of adult education at the Warren County Career Center, discusses the center's wide range of innovative initiatives and workforce development programs with host, Rachael Mann.
Situated uniquely between Cincinnati and Dayton, the Career Center offers seven comprehensive program pathways, including manufacturing, HVAC, welding, electrical power lines, cosmetology, EMS, and IT. Gates elaborates on a noteworthy and impactful program for incarcerated students, providing them with advanced manufacturing and robotics training designed to ease their reentry into the workforce and reduce recidivism. She emphasizes the Career Center's strong collaboration with local employers and industry partners to create responsive,
customized training programs that align with realtime labor market needs. These partnerships ensure that students gain relevant skills that lead to wellpaying, sustainable jobs in their own communities.
Gates also highlights exciting plans for new program offerings, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, and industrial electrical technician tracks, aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging tech and energy sectors. She encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds—ranging from high school seniors exploring post-graduation options to adults seeking career changes or upskilling opportunities—to consider career and technical education (CTE) as a smart, strategic investment in their future.
To learn more about Warren County Career Center, visit www.mywccc.org. For information about Ohio Technical Centers in your area, visit www.oacts.com or www.ohiotechnicalcenters.com.
From a Diploma to a Job and Career
— ADP Changes Lives
New Philadelphia, OH (April 15, 2025)
– The Adult Diploma Program (ADP) is offering second chances for adults across Ohio, including those relying on Buckeye Career Center (BCC) for the opportunity. ADP, in its fourth year at BCC, has afforded a high school diploma to 149 adult students, many of whom have used the second chance after past setbacks or to build a new career path, all at no cost.
This school year alone, 100 adults are enrolled in ADP at BCC, and 92 of those students have already passed the required WorkKeys academic assessment. So far, 52 students have earned their diploma
during the 2024-25 school year. These numbers represent 12% of BCC's total adult enrollment.
The program is short-term, accessible, and often the first step toward a better future, according to Frank Polen, BCC’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Adult Education.
“The Adult Diploma Program has helped students who, for one reason or another, did not complete their high school diploma, in a traditional sense. However, I always say, education is not a race,” said Polen. “I myself am a product of parents without high school diplomas, and in many cases, I lived the hardship of this. ADP would have been
Buckeye Career Center Adult Director Frank Polen, Kim Turpin, (STNA) ADP graduate, and Assistant Director Steve Rippeth (Left to Right)
the ideal program for them, so I have a real passion for such programs.” Polen believes that ADP helps remove previously existing barriers for many. “I have seen students move from diploma to job to career. In a few cases, students have continued to further postsecondary options at our Ohio Technical Center and other higher education institutions.”
For David and Taci Dean of Coshocton, ADP did exactly that. The couple enrolled together—David in welding and Taci in sales & marketing. David was hired as a welder immediately after completing his course and is now working at Cleveland Cliffs in Conesville as part of its maintenance apprenticeship program. The two enrolled in the programs to set a good example for their then-nineyear-old daughter.
"It was emotional. It hurt. Just because I wanted my daughter to see both of us succeed," David said. "I buckled down even harder and studied even harder." Upon completion, David praised the program and the skills he learned. “I can’t thank them enough, they changed our lives basically,” David said. “Anybody who has heard about it or is thinking about it—it’s definitely worth it if you put forth the effort.”
BCC’s Adult Diploma Program is coordinated by Steve Rippeth, BCC’s Assistant Adult Education Director, who handles the credentialing, while Mindy Haney, the Aspire Coordinator, assists with the WorkKeys testing. For more information on ADP, visit your local Ohio Technical Center’s website or visit https://education.ohio.gov/ Topics/Testing/Ohio-Options-for-Adult-Diploma/AdultDiploma-Program
Quotes sourced from Leonard L. Hayhurst, “David and Taci Dean have brighter future after completing adult ed program,” Coshocton Tribune, March 29, 2024.
Regina Raber, (STNA) ADP graduate
David (welding) and Taci (sales & marketing) Dean - ADP graduates
GET IN THE GAME—TAKE CHARGE OF OUR FUTURE:
In-Demand Jobs Week
MAY 5-9, 2025
In-Demand Jobs Week is the statewide celebration of the jobs, industries, and skills that are in demand in Ohio.
Community leaders statewide are encouraged to partner in planning engaging events and activities that will inspire excitement and awareness among students and job seekers.
EVENTS CAN I HOST?
There are several different events that schools, businesses, and community organizations can host during In-Demand Jobs Week. Here are just a few examples: WHAT KIND OF
Career Fairs & Hiring Events:
Host a recruiting event with local businesses in the area at a school or community space.
Open House / Facility Tours:
Invite community members, schools, and prospective employees to come to your business so they can see the types of careers you o er and the space they could work in.
Roundtable Discussions:
Host local business and education leaders to talk about industry needs and how you can work together to better your community.
Networking Event:
Work with a local business (like a restaurant or co ee shop) to host a networking event to foster connections with other businesses and community leaders.
Host a Resume ʻHow-Toʼ Class:
Invite students and community members to a resume building class and show them what employers are looking for in a resume.
Career ʻSigning Daysʼ:
Do you have students who are ‘committing’ to a career right a er graduation? Help celebrate them by hosting a career signing day at your school.
How can I spread the word about my event?
Outside of sending emails, invitations, or posting about your event on social media, you can share your event on the official In-Demand Jobs Week Interactive map (TopJobs.Ohio.gov/week). This interactive map will list all events being hosted for In-Demand Jobs Week 2025. To add your event to the map, submit your event name, date/time, and description toIn-DemandJobs@jfs.ohio.gov
Need help planning your event or have questions? Send us an email at: In-DemandJobs@jfs.ohio.gov. TopJobs.Ohio.gov/Week
A special thank you to all of those who contributed stories and articles:
Flooring Futures Launched
Kelly Williams | Program Coordinator | Tri-County Career Center - Adult Center
How Training at Washington County Career Center Launched a Leader
Joe Higgins | Instructor, New Media+ | Tri-County Career Center and High School
Connie Altier | Superintendent | Tri-County Career Center and High School
Connect with Ohio’s Future Workforce at the Gen Z Virtual Career Fair
Bill Teets | Director Of Communications | Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Empowering Futures: Adult Education and Industry Collaboration in Southwest Ohio
Kim Gates | Director of Adult Education | Warren County Career Center
From a Diploma to a Job and Career — ADP Changes Lives
Frank Polen | Assistant Superintendent | Buckeye Career Center
Shyanne Carroll | Marketing Coordinator | Buckeye Career Center
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.
Photo: Washington County Career Center
