Podcast by Rachael Mann
17 February 2025
In this episode of the OTCs podcast, explore how Upper Valley Career Center’s Adult Technology Center is shaping career pathways for adult learners in Ohio. Guest Duane Caudill shares insights into the center’s short-term training programs, focusing on high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, HVAC, welding, and automation. Key topics include the OTC Plus program, which allows high school students to enroll in technical education programs unavailable at their schools, and the center’s strong partnerships with business and industry to develop customized training solutions. Duane discusses the center’s International Apprenticeship Exchange Program, which connects students with Germany’s apprenticeship model and highlights the role of emerging technologies such as AI and automation in workforce preparation. Success stories of students advancing their careers through stackable credentials are shared, along with strategies for supporting adult learners balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The episode also covers the center’s approach to addressing skill gaps and the importance of industry collaboration in developing future-ready training programs.
To learn more about Ohio Technical Centers in your area, visit www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/. Special thanks to the support of OACTS and its role in advancing this effort.
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25:18
29 January 2025
In this episode of the OTC's podcast, learn about the critical role of Ohio Technical Centers in workforce development, focusing on the EHOVE Career Center. Guest Laura Dowdell, the Adult Education Director at EHOVE, shares insights from her 26 years of experience in education, particularly highlighting EHOVE's innovative programs and strong partnerships. Key topics include the center's LPN-RN diploma program, the collaboration with Fisher-Titus Medical Center, and the unique marine trades technician program. Laura underscores the importance of customizing training to meet local workforce needs, ensuring program alignment with job market trends, and creating flexible and engaging educational opportunities for adult learners. The podcast also highlights success stories, including a student who transitioned from earning her high school diploma to becoming a paramedic. Additionally, upcoming expansions at EHOVI, such as a CDL program and a new dental hygiene program in partnership with the local community college, are discussed.
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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24:55
23 October 2024
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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24:14
03 September 2024
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21:51
22 August 2024
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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24:46
23 July 2024
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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29:57