Community officials and local manufacturers have joined forces in order to address the labor shortage due to the ongoing pandemic.
Seven manufacturers have partnered together with the Knox County Area Development Foundation and WorkDev to form a workforce readiness program with the intention of helping establish a pathway into opportunities and careers in manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is the economic foundation of Knox County,” said Jeff Gottke, President of Knox Area Development Foundation who oversees WorkDev. “There are great paying jobs and career opportunities that require a wide variety of skills. Often people overlook manufacturing because they think they do not have the technical skills. The reality is manufacturers will train you for the position and this program is a first step of exploring and transitioning into a career in manufacturing.”
Julia Greenich-Suggs, an administration specialist with the Knox Area Development Foundation, said that the program aims to partner people in the workforce who are looking for manufacturing careers with companies interested in employing them.
“There is no minimum requirement other than the individual is 18-years and older,” she said. “Anybody interested can join the program.”
The seven companies that have committed to the program are: Coyne Graphic Finishing; Diemaster, LLC; Heating and Cooling Products (HCP); Mauser Packaging Solutions; Replex Plastics; Schafer Driveline; and Ver-Mac Industries.
“Replex Plastics envisions the ASPECT program helping in the short-term as people are adjusting to the current economic realities post-covid, but also working as a long-term win for the entire community,” said Mark Schuetz, Replex Plastics President. “By partnering in the ASPECT program, we hope to achieve something we could not achieve on our own, which is helping to prepare people for a great career in advanced manufacturing.”
Greenich-Suggs added that Knox ASPECT is a workforce readiness program designed to prepare individuals for career opportunities in manufacturing with the program possible because of Columbus State workforce grant.
The program includes a four-week/eight with classes that guide candidates through a curriculum that covers a range of topics from technical training and safety to soft skills and interviewing and resume preparation.
All candidates who successfully complete the program are guaranteed interviews with each of the participating companies.
“We know that all of the participants need workers.” Greenich-Suggs said. “Some of the smaller companies may be looking to fill one position, while the larger ones could be interested in filling up to three positions.”
Other manufacturing companies could soon join the program, but have to reach an agreement.
Those interested in the program can apply via the Ohio Means Jobs Knox County page. Classes are slated to start on Oct. 5.
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