Skilled trades academy to expand

Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy and Healthcare Careers Academy will benefit from $1.5 million in state funding as a result of a recent Ohio state Senate appropriation.

The $700 million approved in SB 288 will fund initiatives across the state through the one-time Strategic Community Investments fund.

One of these projects is expansion of the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy and Healthcare Careers Academy, which are administered by the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council. State Rep. DJ Swearingen, R-Huron, and Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, helped secure the funds to expand the local workforce initiatives.

Academy began in 2019

Formed in 2019, the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy is a comprehensive, credit-based skilled trades program for high school seniors and is certified by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council. Students receive classroom instruction and participate in hands-on lab activities, earning additional certificates such as OSHA 10-Hour, Welding and Forklift Training. The Healthcare Careers Academy (formerly the STNA Program) was developed in 2022 to expose Ottawa County high school seniors to healthcare opportunities and train them in practical skills.

Beginning in fall 2025, the advisory council will welcome a new program, Hospitality & Tourism Academy, a first-of-its-kind, state-recognized curriculum for the hospitality and tourism industry:

Skilled trades programs to aid with filling job demands

“Creating a sustainable workforce pipeline for existing and future businesses is a critical component to economic and community development. The industry sectors we have targeted are in high demand, not just within our county but regionally. The initial funding and support we have received to launch these programs is simply incredible and will not be forgotten.” said Chris Singerling, executive director of the Ottawa County Improvement Corp.

Since 2018, these programs have received more than $120,000 from the Ottawa County Community Foundation along with support from Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services. A new partnership with Vanguard Sentinel Career and Technology Center also will mean an additional $600,000 for new equipment.