EHOVE joins statewide campaign

MILAN TWP. — EHOVE Career Center and its counterparts across Ohio have new branding, but their educational missions remain the same. Now collectively known as the Ohio Technical Centers, each of the state's 51 locations will continue to offer adult education and training for the most in-demand jobs. The campaign seeks to grow awareness of available programming to aid Ohio communities and local businesses. To build awareness of the new brand and the upskilling opportunities available to adults statewide, EHOVE Career Center is joining the Fast Track Campaign effort. "The Ohio Technical Centers and their programming are catalysts providing immediacy and impact for adults of all ages throughout the state," said Ohio Department of Higher Education chancellor Randy Gardner. "This is especially critical as Ohio's economy has more opportunities than ever for a skilled workforce to meet the growing demand all over Ohio." "It seems like every day I value even more that our state's Ohio Technical Centers serve as pathways for adults to quality employment," Gardner said. "In addition, many programs are free or low-cost options equipping them with the skills they need to enter a career or to further their post-secondary education." The Fast Track Campaign will raise awareness of the various programs available throughout the state, including at EHOVE. These include workforce training programs that award industry credentials, licenses or certifications and provide a direct pathway to employment. Ohio Technical Centers also offer free services through Ohio's ASPIRE program, which focus on individuals who need assistance acquiring the skills to succeed in postsecondary education, training and employment. Additionally, Ohio's adult diploma program, available through the Ohio Technical Centers, provides free job training for adults age 20 and older to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and industry credentials. "EHOVE's mission is to prepare the future workforce for in-demand careers through skilled hands-on education," superintendent Chris McCully said. "As Ohio's fifth largest OTC, EHOVE prepares approximately 500 full-time adult education students for the local economy each year. We have great success and provide support for our students to succeed in their chosen career paths." Ohio Technical Centers also partner with local employers to ensure they get what they need from their local workforce. Through strong partnerships with local businesses and industries, Ohio Technical Centers continue to meet the workforce demands of the moment by responding rapidly through customized training programs and other services. All Ohio Technical Centers programs are approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, national accrediting agencies and specific third-party credentials. In 2021, the Ohio Department of Higher Education reported that 71% of those enrolled in a technical program received a credential, certificate, state license or passed a technical assessment upon completion, and 90% of those completing a technical program found employment. "EHOVE Career Center is proud to be an (Ohio Technical Center) with support for our programming and services through the Ohio Department of Higher Education," EHOVE adult education director Laura Dowdell said. She noted the career center's recent placement rate for graduates was 79% and credential/licensure passage rate was 96%. "We pride ourselves in focusing on what matters for our students," Dowdell said. "Adult students need to know that they can obtain the needed skills in a reasonable time to find a career that will sustain their family. Our focus is on program completion, licensure and job placement."