Cheryl Rice, Associate Vice Chancellor, Higher Education Workforce Alignment and John Magill, Assistant Deputy Chancellor, Economic Advancement for ODHE joined a distinguished group at Northwest State Community College on Sept. 12 to discuss the College’s ongoing partnerships with area industry, and its impact on education and the skills gap in advanced manufacturing. Front Row L to R: Lori Robison, NSCC VP for Academics, Rice, Eli Faes, ODHE, Magill. Back Row L to R: Colin Doolittle, NSCC STEM faculty, Dave Mohring, NSCC STEM faculty, Dr. Burklo, Senator Rob McColley.
Northwest State Community College was pleased to be joined by Cheryl Rice, Associate Vice Chancellor, Higher Education Workforce Alignment and John Magill, Assistant Deputy Chancellor, Economic Advancement for Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), Senator Rob McColley and others yesterday. At the sit-down meeting, Dr. Dan Burklo (NSCC Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math – STEM) presented a showcase of the College’s public and private partnerships with area high schools and industry.
PARTICIPATION AND SYNERGY THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST OHIO
The partnerships, which include the companies Automatic Feed in Napoleon, Defiance Metal Products and B&B Molded Products in Defiance, AP Tool in Hicksville, and area high schools provide students — primarily high school juniors and seniors — awareness of a modern manufacturing facility and the opportunity to learn about engineering technology careers in modern manufacturing. Students benefit from classes that include hands-on experiences and manufacturing facility tours. The program has served over 100 students to date, including participation from the Ayersville, Defiance, Hicksville, Holgate, Liberty Center, Napoleon, Patrick Henry, Tinora and Wauseon school districts.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MANUFACTURING
The NSCC program is particularly vital, given the growing skills gap in the area. According to the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, state manufacturing is responsible for 18% of Ohio’s Gross Domestic Product, accounts for about 700,000 jobs across the state, and is the largest of the 20 sectors of Ohio’s economy, including government. The average annual earnings of Ohio workers on manufacturing payrolls in 2015 were $58,190. (Source: Ohiomfg.com)
Joining Rice, Magill and McColley in the meeting was Eli Faes, Assistant Director of Workforce Engagement of ODHE. Following the presentation, Dr. Burklo led the group on a tour of the College’s E-wing, where engineering technology courses and labs are utilized to educate and prepare students for their next steps – career or transfer. The tour included the synchronous classroom where students continue with Miami University to attain their Bachelor of Science degree in engineering technology. “We are proud to have established partnerships with some great local businesses and high schools,” Burklo said. “The flexibility of all the partners involved allows us to deliver this hands-on education to keep northwest Ohio running strong and strengthen our communities,” Burklo continued.
For more information on this program, contact the NSCC STEM division office at 419.267.1394, or email STEM@NorthwestState.edu. Additional information on Northwest State courses, certificates and degree programs is available online at NorthwestState.edu, or by calling NSCC admissions at 419.267.1320.
