GLCAP becomes endorsed partner of Ohio Manufacturers’ Association
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) is announcing its endorsement through the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership as of May 2024. The recognition acknowledges GLCAP’s role in answering workforce development needs in Ohio’s manufacturing sector through the WorkAdvance program.
GLCAP is one of 19 OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships serving 75 of 88 counties throughout Ohio. GLCAP began its partnership with the OMA in summer 2023 with the launch of the WorkAdvance program, funded through a three-year grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge program.
“The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and GLCAP share a commitment to helping people gain skills for much-needed positions in manufacturing,” GLCAP President/CEO Ruthann House said. “This endorsement recognizes that shared vision and dedication to training and strengthening Ohio’s workforce.”
GLCAP’s WorkAdvance program provides career pathways for people looking for in-demand manufacturing jobs in Crawford, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wyandot counties. Since launching the program, GLCAP’s WorkAdvance program has offered:
- Online training courses through Tooling U-SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) to introduce trainees to basic manufacturing concepts
- OSHA-10 training to provide basic health and safety education for entry-level workers
- Four cohorts of welding training courses in partnership with Terra State Community College
The welding courses were particularly successful, with 35 students earning certifications across the four cohorts that began in fall 2023. Along with providing training at no cost, the course also offered students access to work supports, career coaching, and other assistance through GLCAP.
“It’s a life skill that I can use forever,” said welding student Adam Spencer, who recently earned his certification through the course. “I’ve learned a lot more than I ever anticipated.”
Additional welding cohorts are being planned for the fall, with a focus on serving the Crawford-Wyandot region. GLCAP is also offering Career Ready! certification courses to participants in the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office’s IGNITE program (Individual Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education), an education/workforce training program provided to inmates of the Sandusky County jail to help reduce recidivism and improve employment and other outcomes for inmates upon release. The Career Ready! course includes Tooling U-SME, OSHA-10, financial education and other resources for participants.
More information on the WorkAdvance program is available at www.glcap.org/workadvance, or by calling 800-775-9767.