Shawnee State offers free courses to introduce women to manufacturing, other non-traditional pathways
CHILLICOTHE― Shawnee State University is working on expanding the workforce and getting women involved in non-traditional pathways through the WISE Pathways program.
The free eight-week program introduces women to career pathways in manufacturing. Individuals who take the classes will receive a safety certification through the Certified Production Technician 4.0 program and learn about a variety of topics, including resume writing and technical skills.
The Shawnee State WISE program, which stands for women in sustainable employment, was established in 2022. Workforce development director Angie Duduit said men are welcome to participate in the program, although it is geared towards women.
Employer Engagement coordinator and Executive Director for BESTOhio Industrial Sector Partnership, Jack Everson said the program is targeted towards women in recovery or women looking for a better job opportunity. He said all four members of a recent Portsmouth class were in recovery and took the class for better job opportunities. They all passed the class and were hired in manufacturing positions.
The program offers classes for manufacturing, construction, logistics, information technology, safety services and more. Plant tours are offered at local companies so that women can see the manufacturing environment and make connections in the industry. Duduit said the first class had tours at Sole Choice, Vinyl Kraft, General Mills and more.
Female role models from the industry come to the class to meet with attendants and describe their experience in the field. During factory visits, women got to speak with other working women and find out about their first-hand experience in the industry.
"We're facing workforce shortages," Duduit said. "We've gotta be creative about how were going to address this shortage and get some nontraditional folks into these kind of careers."
The program offers free childcare provided by Community Action, as well as food and transportation.
The classes take place at Ohio Univeristy - Chillicothe, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. starting on Feb. 21. Register for the program at bit.ly/SSUWisePathways22 and email questions to ssuworks@shawnee.edu.
Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Contact her at 740-349-1106, email her at Mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Shawnee State offers free courses to introduce women to manufacturing
