Workforce Readiness

With 24 higher education institutions and 117,000 students, central Ohio has an available work force.  Several exist to developing the workforce. Some professions don’t require college degrees, and career centers in the various counties are there to provide education and training to students who may not be college bound.  There is a workforce of skilled mature workers who are challenged with requiring career training. There are workers who must continue to seek additional training to keep up with technology and professional accreditation. There are also new college students entering the workforce. As such, workforce readiness must address all of these populations.

Partners in Workforce Readiness:

• Area Universities
  Most universities and colleges have personnel assigned to matching student with internships. There is opportunity to develop the contact list to assist local businesses in tapping this resource more efficiently.
• Career Centers
  Career Centers and Joint Vocational Schools (JVS) are skill development and career preparation centers that offer a comprehensive mix of vocational and technical training. They assess skills, provide career counseling and planning, provide new skill or trade training, and help workers enter or re-enter the job market. Not all counties have their own Career Centers or Joint Vocational Schools. Career centers are located in each of the 12 central Ohio counties except for Morrow, Fayette and Union. These facilities are locally funded and offer adult education classes. These institutions should be linked with Chambers of Commerce for exchanging job training opportunities.
• Columbus Chamber of Commerce
  Chambers of Commerce are a voice of the business community. The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce is advocating an internship program for their member businesses.
• Ohio Board of Regents
  The Ohio Board of Regents is working with universities to link student studies with business needs. The Board of Regents recently released its 10 year Strategic Plan.
• Ohio Workforce 411
  Through the Governor’s office, this program is a one-stop-shop towards helping peoplefind jobs and training opportunities.
• Ohio Workforce Informer
  Part of the Department of Jobs and Family Service in the Office of Labor Market Information, this website includes information about skills necessary for various careers and websites to universities and career centers.
• Project Mentor 
  This is a joint project by the Columbus Public Schools, Big Brothers & Big Sisters and the Nationwide Foundation. Project Mentor's mission is to boost the Columbus Public high school graduation rate from 72.9% in 2006 to 90% by the year 2012.