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Edison State Receives
Approval as Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Service’s (ODJFS) Ohio
Apprenticeship Council has named Edison State Community College as a
U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor in the State
of Ohio. Registered apprenticeship programs teach high-level skills and
provide educational resources to prepare individuals for entrance or
advancement into today’s workforce.
“This new credential for Edison State allows for an ideal blend of real
life work experience with college level courses in both technical and
professional foundations,” said Edison State President, Dr. Doreen
Larson.
“Edison State can facilitate the initial connection between a student
and potential employer and then we are able to support the student’s
development while responding to regional technical growth through
curricular design,” added Dr. Larson. “Our faculty members are eager to
apply their expertise in support of this advanced program.”
Apprentices will complete related instruction at Edison State while
gaining hands-on training with their employer. Additionally,
opportunities offered at Edison State will qualify the apprentice to
graduate with a certificate or associate degree upon completion. With
an associate degree, the apprentice may continue on the path to a
bachelor’s degree or enter the workforce.
“This is an excellent resource for individuals looking to enter the
workforce or advance in their career,” said Peggy Wiggins, Director of
the Center for Workforce Development and Education at Edison State.
“Some companies will use these apprenticeship programs to recruit new
employees, while others will use the curriculum to promote existing
employees.”
“There are also benefits to the apprentice such as pay increases every
six months, and more often than not, the employer will cover tuition
costs. It’s the ultimate learn as you earn program.”
With Edison State well on its way to implementing an all-encompassing
guided pathway experience for technical career students, the registered
apprenticeship program aims to enhance this model. In 2016, Edison
State received the ACT State Award for Career Readiness in recognition
of its commitment to up-front and mandated career choices for incoming
students.
“Many manufacturing companies in West Central Ohio are already
participating in workforce development programs, and with our career
pathways program, Edison State has the foundation to make the
registered apprenticeship program worthwhile for those seeking relevant
and customized training,” said Rick Hanes, Vice President of Business
and Community Partnerships at Edison State.
The registered apprenticeship program will use existing relationships
Edison State has developed with regional employers and economic
development partners to set students on a path toward achieving their
career goals.
“Sponsorship has already been developed for MaMa Rosa’s in Sidney, and
we have also received written letters of support from additional
industry leaders who are interested in participating in the program,”
added Hanes.
Edison State hopes to build on the success of the neighboring Upper
Valley Career Center that currently offers a pre-apprenticeship program
for high school students.
“We believe these companies are just in the initial stages of a robust
registered apprenticeship program at Edison State with many
stakeholders eventually involved,” said Hanes.
While the initial focus of Edison State’s registered apprenticeship
program is placed on manufacturing to meet the in-demand need, other
industries will be pursued including information technology,
healthcare, and business services.
Ohio has more than 900 Registered Apprenticeship programs in fields as
diverse as aerospace, construction, energy, healthcare, manufacturing,
and utilities. Each program includes, at minimum, 2,000 hours of
structured on-the-job training and 144 hours per year of related
technical instruction.
For more information about the registered apprenticeship program at
Edison State, contact Peggy Wiggins at 937-778-7816 or email
pwiggins@edisonohio.edu.
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