Bringing awareness to adult education programs

Contributed by Mid-East Career and Technology Centers
·2 min read

ZANESVILLE — Ohio’s adult and continuing education programs, operating at 51 locations throughout the state, are now collectively known as the Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs). To build awareness of the new brand and the upskilling opportunities available to adults statewide, Mid-East Career and Technology Centers’ Adult Education program is joining the Fast Track Campaign effort.

The Ohio Technical Centers, with the new slogan, “Your Fast Track to Success,” are the state’s educational providers offering adult learners the training and credentials for the most in-demand jobs and a direct path to employability.

“Every day I value even more that our state’s 51 Ohio Technical Centers serve as pathways for adults to quality employment. In addition, many programs are free or low-cost options equipping them with the skills they need to enter a career or to further their post-secondary education,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner.

The campaign will raise awareness of the various programs available throughout the state, including at Mid-East CTC Adult Education. These include workforce training programs that award industry credentials, licenses or certifications and provide a direct pathway to employment.

Ohio Technical Centers also offer free services through Ohio’s ASPIRE program, which focuses on individuals who need assistance acquiring the skills to succeed in postsecondary education, training, and employment. In addition, Ohio’s Adult Diploma Program, available through the OTCs, provides free job training for adults aged 20 and above to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and industry credentials.

OTCs also partner with local employers to ensure they get what they need from their local workforce. Through strong partnerships with local businesses and industries, the centers continue to meet the workforce demands of the moment by responding rapidly through customized training programs and other services.

Connie Shriver, Mid-East’s Adult Education director emphasized that as the state’s staffing crisis continues, the Mid-East Adult Education program also works closely with businesses to upskill the staff they already employ.

“When a business has a good worker in whom they have already invested, the business is motivated to provide advanced training to that individual for the benefit and future of the company,” she said. “It’s a little like flipping education on its head. Instead of training someone to secure a job, we are now working with businesses to train their existing workforce to fill those openings that require advanced skills or certifications.”

All OTC programs are approved by the ODHE, national accrediting agencies, and specific third-party credentials. In 2021, the ODHE reported that 71 percent of those enrolled in a technical program received a credential, certificate, state license, or passed a technical assessment upon completion, and 90 percent of those completing a technical program found employment.

To learn more about the Mid-East CTC Adult Education program visit www.mideastadulted.org. To learn more about the Ohio Technical Centers and find a local OTC visit ohiotechnicalcenters.com.

Submitted by Kim Tatman with Mid-East Career and Technology Centers

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Bringing awareness to adult education programs