Shaping the Future of Work and Education with Ohio Technical Centers

Welcome to the Inaugural Episode of the Ohio Technical Center Podcast Series!

In this pivotal first episode, your host, Rachael Mann, is joined by special guest, Bill Bussey, the executive director of the OTCs, to dive deep into the transformative world of Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs), bringing to light how these institutions are shaping the future of adult education and workforce development in Ohio.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The Genesis of OTCs: Discover the rich history behind the Ohio Technical Centers, tracing their roots back to the vocational education movement of the 1960s and 70s and how they have evolved to meet the changing needs of the workforce and industry.

• Bill Bussey's Journey: From teaching agricultural science to leading the Ohio Technical Centers, hear how Bill’s career reflects the changing landscape of technical education in Ohio.

• The Role of OTCs Today: Understand the unique place OTCs hold in Ohio's education system, offering certificate programs in skilled trades and other in-demand fields that are designed to be completed in less than a year.

• Impact on Workforce Development: Learn about the partnerships between OTCs, businesses, and industries to provide targeted training and upskilling, ensuring that Ohio’s workforce is ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

• Adapting to Technological Advances: Bill discusses how OTCs are preparing for the future, especially in light of rapid technological changes and the rise of artificial intelligence in the job market.

• The Importance of Partnerships: Explore how OTCs work with state and local agencies, business and industry leaders, and educational institutions to provide comprehensive training and education services.

• Looking Ahead: Bill shares his vision for the future of OTCs, including expanding program offerings and continuing to adapt to the workforce needs of Ohio and beyond.

Learn more about today's guest, Executive Director – William A. Bussey

Former state director of career-technical education at the Ohio Department of Education, William A. Bussey serves as the Executive Director for the Ohio Technical Centers. Bussey spent 14 years as superintendent at Mid-East Career and Technology Centers, in addition to being a teacher at Bloom-Carroll Local School District in vocational agriculture, a supervisor at the Career Technical Education Center of Licking County (C-TEC) and an adult education director at Eastland Fairfield Career Technical Schools.

He has been active in many career-technical education organizations in leadership positions. He is a past president of Ohio ACTE and currently serves on the board for the National Council of Local Administrators (NCLA).

Resources Mentioned:

Ohio Technical Centers Website: Visit for more information on programs, locations, and opportunities: https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/

Contact Bill Bussey: bbussey@oacts.com or 740-851-0270 for further inquiries.

Connect With Us:

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Thank you for tuning in to the Ohio Technical Centers podcast series. Stay curious, keep innovating, and join us next time for another deep dive into the world of education and workforce development.