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Highland County Workforce Development Center
In addition to the many courses offered at the Highland County Workforce Development Center, the space is also available for businesses located within Highland County. Offering the latest in technology, shared workspaces, and plenty of parking, the center is the perfect spot for all your meetings and off-site trainings!
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The availability of a reliable, skilled workforce is one of the most important factors for businesses planning to expand or relocate. Southern State Community College shares our passion for creating a skilled talent pool. Their Workforce Development Department stands ready to tailor customized training and educational opportunities aimed at creating the most qualified workforce for your specific need.
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Great Oaks is a public career-technical school district serving 36 school districts in southwest Ohio.
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Students can become professionally certified in a wide range of career fields, from health care to high-tech manufacturing to cybersecurity to construction trades, culinary arts, agriculture, cosmetology, and more, giving them a head start on success.
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Partnerships with local businesses, education, and community agencies help shape the programs offered.
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Bridging Education and Workforce
In February 2024, the inaugural Manufacturing Day was held with all five county high schools and numerous major manufacturing facilities participating. Students participated in hands-on plant tours and convened at Southern State Community College for lunch and presentations. Ohio Director of Development, Lydia Mihalik provided the keynote address and assisted in presenting stipend checks to those students who had completed their internships.
Ohio Director of Development
Lydia Mihalik.
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Students enjoying a hands on tour at Highland Computer Forms.
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Manufacturing Day participants enjoying lunch with industry leaders.
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ACCESS Program
With a deep desire to prepare our students for the workforce and to expose them to the limitless opportunities available in Highland County, the Workforce Leadership Council created the ACCESS Program. ACCESS is designed to offer valuable opportunities for local businesses to host student interns, providing a bridge between education and the workforce. ACCESS interns collaborate closely with their home school districts, actively cultivating essential skills sought after in employees. After comprehensive assessments, these students undergo tailored education and coaching to address weaknesses and fortify strengths, ensuring their readiness for entrance into the workforce during internship opportunities and upon graduation. Each ACCESS intern is paid a stipend at the conclusion of their internship.
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Thanks to our Industry Sector Partner, BESTOhio, ACCESS interns received their stipend checks at a recent BESTOhio board meeting.