Ohio Promotes Workforce Development During In-Demand Jobs Week

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Last week, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who now also serves as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, led a state-wide tour for In-Demand Jobs Week, which included high profile visits by Governor DeWine and other senior members of the Administration. In-Demand Jobs Week was designed to promote Ohio’s most in-demand and fastest growing industries through statewide hiring, education and training events. State leaders participated in a variety of events across the state, from tours and roundtables to career-tech signing days and program launches. All told, there were 380 events across the state helping to highlight Ohio’s in-demand jobs.

On Monday, Lt. Governor Husted began In-Demand Jobs Week by speaking at the Warren County Educational Service Center Signing Day, where 50 students committed to careers or apprenticeship programs once they graduate high-school. In his remarks, Lt. Governor Husted highlighted the importance of having a skilled workforce.

Also on Monday, Lt. Governor Husted participated in a roundtable discussion at the Butler Tech Bioscience Center, where he spoke with area business and education leaders about student and business collaboration, as well as new programs coming to the bioscience center this fall.

On Tuesday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted continued the In-Demand Jobs Week Tour in Southeast Ohio with signing days at Buckeye Hills Career Center and Scioto County Career Technical Center. He also visited Tri-State STEMM school to meet with board members and education leaders to discuss workforce and STEMM education.

On Wednesday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted spoke to the Lawrence County Legislative Day at the Statehouse, highlighting how career-technical programs are preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

On Thursday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted helped launch the Marine Apprenticeship Program in Port Clinton. The first-of-its-kind program offers marine-related and watercraft career technical training like Boating Safety Certification, boat winterization, and watercraft mechanical repair courses.

Also on Thursday, Lt. Governor Husted highlighted workforce development at the Associated General Contractors of Northwest Ohio Draft Day. The day provided students interested in construction trades with the chance to learn about area contracting companies and construction opportunities available in the community.

On Friday, Governor DeWine highlighted the Columbus Zoo Edge Program, along with State Superintendent DeMaria, Development Services Agency Director Mihalik, Senior Vice Chancellor Duffey and Columbus Zoo President and CEO Tom Stalf. The Edge Program helps students earn the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal during their summer work experiences at the zoo. The Readiness Seal, displayed on a high-school graduates diploma, is a tool designed to indicate a student who has in-demand skills that are desired by employers.

Finally, on Friday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted concluded In-Demand Jobs Week with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Miami Valley Career Technical Center (MVCTC). The groundbreaking marks the beginning of an expansion project for the MVCTC. The new building will provide additional learning space for approximately 1,800 juniors and seniors.