MARIETTA, OHIO (August 22, 2018)— Thanks to the ApprenticeOhio grant program, local businesses can now get state-funded training for incumbent workers at Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO). Local law enforcement agencies were among the first to take advantage of this training that allows Ohio businesses to partner with institutions of higher education.
Recently, ten corrections officers from Washington, Morgan and Noble counties completed a required month-long Corrections Academy at WSCO to ensure all officers have the technical instruction and are knowledgeable on state guidelines and regulations. Normally, the cost for this compulsory training would be paid for from the county sheriff’s office budget, but thanks to ApprenticeOhio, the $1350 expense is now offset by grant dollars.
ApprenticeOhio is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor and the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services to get training for incumbent workers. “They call it ‘earn while you learn’,” said Jesse Roush, Executive Director of Workforce Development and Corporate Partnerships at WSCO, “through it, we are able to establish customized training for a business to help strengthen its incumbent workforce.”
While apprenticeships are commonly associated with trade unions, in reality, the scope is much broader than just training for electricians or plumbers. “That’s the traditional model,” said Roush, “but that model rarely involves an institution of higher education. Most of the technical instruction [traditional model training] has been delivered through trade schools or a career center and is coupled with on-the-job training. ApprenticeOhio however, works through higher education. The whole point behind this, from the U.S. Department of Labor on down, is to change the perception of what an apprenticeship program is while maintaining the integrity of the model.”
The state opted for this route to ensure the training provided met with strict standards. In fact, institutions are required to qualify in order to be a registered apprenticeship sponsor. “In a registered apprenticeship program, the caliber of education is much higher, because you’re working with a sponsor that has to maintain strict standards established by its board of trustees and its accrediting body,” Roush explained. Additionally, being a Registered Apprentice is recognized by the Ohio Manufacturers Association as the gold standard for an apprenticeship program.
Roush identified several benefits to the apprenticeship program, including, improved skills and competencies that meet the specific needs of the employer; occupation-focused education; and competency-based wage increases.
As a registered apprenticeship sponsor, WSCO is authorized to annually reimburse up to $2,500 per employee—up to $1750 in tuition and up to $750 towards fees, supplies, and books.
In the case of the Corrections Academy, the total cost to train each officer is $1350, which covers the cost of the academy and provides much of an officer’s required equipment, including uniforms, boots, duty belt, flashlight, cut down tool and more. “This is the best example in the state of an out of box application of the apprenticeship model per our program manager through ApprenticeOhio,” said Roush.
At present, WSCO has two apprentice models approved—the corrections academy and a maintenance mechanic program. Moving forward, Roush is working to develop several other models, including a robotics and automation technician in preparation for a robotics program that the college hopes to roll out soon. This particular model would be developed to offer an apprentice the option to earn a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree.
Roush is also working to expand the current apprenticeship program and is seeking additional businesses that need increased training for incumbent workers. “I want people to understand that by engaging WSCO and using this model for training incumbent workers, they are going to, in essence, get free development services for their own internal training program.”
For more than 45 years, Washington State College of Ohio has fueled the community’s future through education. We work to make a positive impact by providing opportunities for growth. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or an adult student looking to enrich your life, we cultivate pathways to guide you toward future growth. Be inspired. Be WSCO. For more information about Washington State College of Ohio, visit www.wscc.edu or call 740.374.8716.
