­­­­­Fairfield County Workforce Center receives $2M to expand educational opportunities

The Fairfield County Workforce Center will receive $2M from the Fairfield County commissioners to expand educational opportunities offered at the Center. In a meeting with community leaders on Tuesday, June 21, the commissioners detailed allocations for the county’s American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding and included the Fairfield County Workforce Center expansion.

Through a partnership with Fairfield County, Ohio University and Hocking College, the Workforce Center continues to grow as it offers training programs for high-demand industries including manufacturing, skilled trades and health care. The new funding will enable the Workforce Center to offer programs in engineering, technology, and nursing using state-of-the-art robotics, new work stations, and experienced instructors.

“It’s wonderful to work in a community where elected leaders see the value of maintaining a variety of educational opportunities,” OHIO Lancaster Dean of Campus and Community Engagement Jarrod Tudor said. “Ohio University Lancaster is proud to work with Fairfield County and other educational partners to build a diverse workforce.”

By working with area businesses and non-profits, Fairfield County is on track to meet the growing demand for a skilled labor force. Rick Szabrak, county economic development director, estimates that 700 students per year graduate in Fairfield County that don’t go onto additional schooling. “This is a small stepping stone to a real degree,” he said.

The Fairfield County Workforce Center offers comprehensive programing that gives students an alternative path towards a successful future. Area business partnerships enable student to meet the demands of the career opportunities that are soon coming to this area.

“We’re moving Fairfield County forward to meet the needs of our citizens through responsible, sustainable projects that continue Fairfield County’s conservative stewardship of public funds,” Fairfield County Commissioner Steve Davis said during the public meeting.