The OTCs Podcast Series

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Podcast by Rachael Mann

The OTCs Podcast Series

Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs), a division of the Ohio Association of Career-Technical Superintendents (OACTS), are educational providers offering postsecondary and adult learners the training and credentials needed for today’s most in-demand jobs. This podcast series will engage, inform, and inspire adult learners, business partners, and the broader community about the opportunities available through OTCs.
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Latest episodes

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23 October 2024

Empowering Tomorrow's Caregivers: Adena Health and PRCTC's Joint Efforts: Insights from Stephanie Jury of Adena Health System

In this episode of the OTC podcast, host Rachael Mann converses with Stephanie Jury, Manager of Clinical Learning and Development at Adena Health, about the impactful collaboration with the Ohio Technical Center (OTC), Pickaway Ross Career Technical Center (PRCTC). This partnership provides hands-on clinical placements for students, addressing staffing needs and fostering workforce development through programs like STNA, LPN, and MA training. The initiative allows students to gain real-world experience in specialty clinics and has led to career advancements from roles in environmental services and nutrition to medical assistants, supported by fully-funded educational programs. Additionally, the partnership facilitates LPN to RN transitions and hires high school students as Patient Care Associates. Stephanie discusses future goals, including enhancing educational programs and establishing new services such as an ambulance service. The collaboration is highlighted as a model for aligning educational programs with healthcare workforce needs.

To learn more about Ohio Technical Centers in your area, visit  www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/ for more information.

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03 September 2024

Second Chances: How STAR and OTCs are Rebuilding Lives

In this episode of the Ohio Technical Centers (OTC) podcast, host Rachael Mann welcomes Josh Dylan from the STAR Community Justice Center. They discuss STAR's mission as a community-based correctional facility that offers comprehensive cognitive behavioral therapy, educational, and CTE programs to felony offenders. Josh explains how STAR's partnerships with local career technical centers facilitate trade-based education and industry-recognized certifications for residents. Success stories are shared, highlighting how vocational training has helped former residents secure jobs and give back to the community. The conversation also covers the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy, the reentry process, community service projects, and educational services such as GED preparation and the Ohio Adult Diploma Program. Josh emphasizes the critical role of business leaders in providing opportunities for rehabilitated individuals and concludes by sharing his journey and role at STAR.

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22 August 2024

Empowering Adult Learners: Frank Polen on Career and Technical Education

In this episode of the Ohio Technical Center's podcast, Rachael Mann interviews Frank Polen, the award-winning assistant superintendent and director of curriculum at Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Frank discusses the wide range of adult education programs offered at Buckeye Career Center, including full-time and part-time courses in fields like welding, healthcare, and firefighting. He highlights the unique opportunities provided by the Adult Diploma Program, which allows adults to earn high school diplomas and acquire valuable skills. Frank also emphasizes the importance of community and employer partnerships, institutional advisory councils, and workforce summits in shaping the programs to meet local workforce needs. Additionally, he underscores the center's approach to short-term, customized training to address immediate workforce demands. Throughout the conversation, Frank shares inspiring success stories of how these programs have transformed lives and positively impacted the community. Listeners are encouraged to visit Buckeye Career Center's website,https://www.buckeyecareercenter.org/. To learn more about Ohio Technical Centers in your area, visit  www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/ for more information. 

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23 July 2024

Upskilling Ohio: Transforming Lives Through Career Training with Guest Lori Smith

In this episode, Lori Smith from the Washington County Career Center discusses her role in transforming community outreach efforts for adult technical training. The podcast explores the center's collaboration with the Ohio Means Job Center, which aims to increase young people's awareness about career opportunities that don't require a four-year degree. Notable initiatives include interactive training trailers and events like the Manufacturing in Action and Discover Healthcare Careers fairs, which connect students with local employers and diverse career pathways. For more information about the career center in your area, visit www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/.

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08 July 2024

Boosting Careers: Insights from Apollo Career Center

In this podcast episode, Keith Horner, superintendent of Apollo Career Center and president of OACTS, discusses his career transition from teaching to administration. He highlights the transformative impact of career technical education and the role of Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) in workforce development. Horner shares insights on the strong community and industry partnerships that Apollo has fostered, tailored training programs, and the successful integration of education and business needs to enhance student career readiness. For more information about the career center in your area, visit www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/.

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14 May 2024

Building Partnerships for a Bright Future: Ohio Central School System and Ohio Technical Centers Join Forces

In this episode, we are joined by guest Jennifer Sanders, who is the School Superintendent at the Ohio Central School System through the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The partnership between the Ohio Central School System and the Ohio Technical Centers is driving positive change in the lives of incarcerated individuals. Through a commitment to providing quality education and 21st-century career technical training, these organizations are equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to reenter society as productive citizens. With a focus on building capacity and expanding opportunities, the partnership aims to fill the workforce needs of Ohio by training and certifying individuals in high-demand fields. The success stories are inspiring, with students gaining certifications and passing exams with flying colors. The ripple effect of these partnerships reaches far beyond the prison walls, impacting local communities and businesses. By preparing individuals for reentry, the partnership is breaking down barriers and combatting the stigma associated with incarceration. With plans for future expansion and deeper collaboration, they are laying the foundation for a brighter future for all.

Tune into this episode to learn more about this growing partnership.

Bio: Jennifer Sanders has dedicated her life to corrections education. As a 31-year corrections education professional, she started as a teacher and advanced to education leadership roles as a Teacher Supervisor, Principal, and Academic Director. She moved to the role of internal auditor and served as a deputy warden at two prisons for four years. Jennifer then served as the school superintendent at the Ohio Department of Youth Services before returning to DRC in 2019 as the school superintendent. Jennifer earned a BS in education from Bowling Green State University and her MS in education leadership, plus postgraduate work at the University of Dayton.

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