It is never too early to prepare for career success–especially in a rapidly developing region like Central Ohio. 

 

Licking Heights Local Schools, along with their career, technology and higher education partners, are taking a proactive approach to the growth by educating students and their families about how to get workforce-ready for companies like Intel, Amgen and more.

 

On Wednesday, April 13, Licking Heights, in partnership with Central Ohio Technical College, hosted nine global industries currently building facilities and creating jobs in Central Ohio for an Education and Workforce Forum. The event included both a panel presentation from each participant and a job fair where participants could network with representatives from companies and schools.

 

The event attracted nearly 200 current students, family members and community members.

 

Organizations represented included:

 

 

For the panel portion of the event, each company shared a brief overview of positions available and the education, certification and training required. This included apprenticeships, like 1105 IBEW’s four-year apprenticeship for high school students, and scholarships, like Intel’s $17.7 million investment in educating future factory employees.

 

Licking Heights Superintendent Dr. Kevin S. Miller praised the participants for serving as strong partners for both the school district and the broader Licking County community.

 

“These companies are not just coming into our region to utilize our resources, they want to invest in the people of Central Ohio and provide viable paths to education, the workforce and a prosperous life,” Dr. Miller said. “We at Licking Heights want to continue developing these opportunity pathways and partnerships so we can provide our students with the groundwork they need for success in the careers of our future. We are so grateful for their participation in our development.”

 

Dr. John Berry, President of Central Ohio Technical College, says that it is just as important to educate the community on what job opportunities are available as it is to share what type of credentialing, training or education may be required. 

 

“All regional education providers must work connectedly to build efficient, accessible and readily understood pathways for students to find their way to exceptional career opportunities,” Dr. Berry says. “Working with Licking Heights was a wonderful example of collaborative partnership and will serve as a model for many similar programs to come.”

 

Licking Heights High School Principal Angel King says partnerships with industries creates opportunities for not just current Licking Heights students, but for their families looking to change careers as well.

 

“Thanks to partnerships with our local industries and schools, students can walk out of our doors and be job-ready for industries like Intel. Working with COTC helps us create an employable workforce right here in Central Ohio,” King says. “We can ensure all our students have the opportunity to make a livable wage and provide for their future families, as well as our current families if there are people who want to change or expand their careers.”