The Lead.
Expo, Forge Demonstrate how Marion is America’s Workforce Development Capital
The Marion County Commissioners officially declared October 21 as “Careers Made in Marion Day” to highlight the upcoming event where Marion schools, colleges, businesses, and agencies come together at the Marion County Fairgrounds to highlight the opportunities available right in Marion County.
“This highlights Marion’s strengths: strategic teamwork and opportunity. Marion is unique in bringing educators and businesses together to match students with the right skills for in-demand jobs,” said Dr. Ryan McCall, president of Marion Technical College. “We truly are America’s Workforce Development Capital.”
The brainchild of Tami Galloway, program manager of America’s Workforce Development Capital, the expo brings more than 641 local high school seniors together with 40 different businesses, colleges, and agencies.
Find the list of involved community partners on MadeinMarion.org.
Workforce Development a Focus of Marion Tech
Workforce development means filling jobs, but far more importantly, it’s about opening doors, said Dr. Ryan McCall.
“At Marion Tech, we’re giving Ohioans of every age and background a chance to step into rewarding careers, whether that means a high school student earning college credit, a parent reskilling for a better job, or a veteran starting a new chapter,” Dr. McCall said.
Marion Tech focuses on preparing students for in-demand careers through innovative programs, partnerships, and resources.
The Marion Tech Mobile Lab brings training to the front doors of local businesses to provide custom classes for their workers in skills from machining to cybersecurity.
The Forge: Another Example of Growing the Business Community
Recognizing that strong local businesses are essential to community wealth, Marion Technical College and its partners created The Forge, free business classes to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, and encouragement to bring their business to life.
Top students compete annually for thousands of dollars in prize money in the Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition.
According to Lars Olson, president of Alluvial Private Wealth, founder and sponsor of the Forge, “When small businesses thrive, everyone in our community wins.”
Community Colleges Play Key Role
The state’s community colleges play a crucial role in preparing Ohioans for jobs in
high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and the skilled trades. Employment records in many critical sectors are being regularly set, with these 21st-century job opportunities helped by the work of Ohio’s community colleges.
Marion Tech collaborates with OhioMeansJobs Centers, local employers, and regional industry leaders to deliver practical training, apprenticeships, and job placement services.
Marion Tech programs are tailored to meet the needs of students and businesses, ensuring graduates are ready to contribute to Ohio’s thriving economy.
Key offerings include:
- Career-Focused Programs: Degrees and certificates in high-demand fields such as nursing, cybersecurity, and advanced.
- Workforce Training: Short-term certifications and customized training to upskill or reskill for local job opportunities.
- Job Placement Support: Free resume workshops, career fairs, and one-on-one advising to connect students with employers.
- Community Partnerships: Close ties with the community and local businesses to provide firsthand experience and job pathways.
According to the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), Ohio’s 22 public two-year institutions serve nearly 250,000 Ohioans each year. Marion Tech is currently serving more than 3,700 students, a record high enrollment.
With more than 1,000 employer partnerships statewide, community colleges are the top
workforce partner for Ohio employers and the best value in higher education for students.
“Workforce wins happen when education and employers pull in the same direction,” said
Avi Zaffini, president and CEO of OACC. “Ohio’s community colleges are doing exactly
that—co-designing short-term credentials, apprenticeships, and upskilling pathways
that help Ohioans step into opportunity and help companies grow.”
Reaching the American Dream
Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the state’s commitment, stating, “Through OhioMeansJobs.com and our local OhioMeansJobs Centers, we have many resources to help Ohioans find a great job so they can reach their full potential and achieve their version of the American dream.”
For More Info:
To explore Marion Technical College’s programs or access career resources, visit https://www.mtc.edu or contact Mike Augenstein, Director of Workforce Solutions, at augensteinm@mtc.edu.
