BioOhio and its partners have been awarded $5,000,000 by the U.S. Department of Labor to implement a jobs training program to help meet the needs of Ohio’s growing bioscience industry (see Feb. 12 press release).
BioOhio lead and coordinate the three-year program designed to help Ohio's displaced workers from declining industries (especially automotive manufacturing and related industries) find new career opportunities.
The program will train 660 displaced workers. In addition 40 incumbent workers will receive more advanced training to move into higher level jobs.
Training is being implemented at six community colleges in four regions:
- Northwest Ohio: Owens Community College
- Northeast Ohio: Cuyahoga Community College and Lakeland Community College
- Central Ohio: Columbus State Community College
- Southwest Ohio: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and Sinclair Community College
More than half of the funding, $2,812,500, is dedicated to tuition reimbursement.
These colleges serve as regional leads, and partner with their respective One Stops, WIBS, Ohio AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, and CAEL (The Council for Adult & Experiential Learning) to promote the program and to identify and channel training candidates to the colleges.
Training Courses/Curriculum
Through its partner community colleges, the Ohio Bioworkforce Training Partnership Grant provides training suitable for entry level employment in Ohio's bioscience industry. These programs include non-degree courses and certificates in:
- General bioscience lab skills – offered at Lakeland Community College and Columbus State Community College
- Biomedical training to prepare workers for maintenance and repair of medical equipment - offered at Owens Community College
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing – offered at most of the community college partners
- Medical Device and equipment manufacturing – offered at most of the community college partners
and 2-year degree programs in:
- Biotechnology/Biotechnology Science, suitable for starting employment as a research technician – offered at Sinclair and Lakeland Community Colleges, and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Credit for current qualifications and work experience may be applied as appropriate. Successful applicants will qualify for tuition reimbursement and fees, as appropriate. Community colleges are currently enrolling students. Contact the community college grant partners for enrollment and program schedules.
Trainee Application & Selection
BioOhio's first priority is implementing the application and selection processes. Individuals interested in training opportunities may contact the community colleges closest to where they live.
- Columbus State CC: Cheryl Hay, Administrator, Business & Industry Training Department, chay3@CSCC.edu, 614/287-2415
- Lakeland CC: Joe Deak, Director, Bioscience Technology, jdeak@lakelandcc.edu, 440/525-7466
- Cuyahoga CC: John Gajewski, Executive Director, Manufacturing & Technology, john.gajewski@tri-c.edu, 216/987-3048
- Owens CC: Nerur Satish, Chairman, Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technologies, Nerur_Satish@owens.edu, 567/661-7456
- Cincinnati State: Dennis Ulrich, Executive Director, Workforce Development Center, dennis.ulrich@cincinnatistate.edu, 513/569-1414
- Sinclair CC: Brenda Latanza, Manager, Public Workforce Initiatives, brenda.latanza@sinclair.edu, 937/512-5505
For general information on the program, contact Mary Benedict, 614/484-5025, or
mbenedict@bioohio.com, or Bill Tacon, 614/675-3686, x1265, or
btacon@bioohio.com.
Additional partner contact information:
This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.