Success Stories
Real Results from Ohio Workforce InnovatorsOhio TechNet Stories of Success
Across Ohio, collaboration is making an impact. Explore how Ohio TechNet partners are driving real results — from innovative training programs to career success stories. These examples highlight the power of industry, education, and community working together to build Ohio’s future workforce.
Lorain MEMS Earn-and-Learn Program: Update
Lorain County Community College’s (LCCC) MEMS earn-and-learn program is fueling student success through real-world experience and mentorship. Jared Dumont, one of the program’s first graduates, now helps guide new talent like Lia Douglas—who leveraged scholarships, internships, and hands-on training to launch a promising career in microelectronics. Their journeys show how education and industry collaboration can transform lives.
LCCC Expands Semiconductor Pathways via SERP
Lorain County Community College (LCCC) is expanding its semiconductor and robotics programs through Ohio TechNet’s Semiconductor Educator Relaunch Program (SERP). With support from Intel and statewide partners, LCCC is increasing student access to college credit, industry credentials, and hands-on training aligned with high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
Columbus State: Scaling Earn-and-Learn Through Project ACCESS
As one of just 10 colleges nationwide selected for JFF’s Project ACCESS, Columbus State is expanding paid apprenticeships, internships, and short-term credential programs to better connect students to quality jobs and strengthen Central Ohio’s workforce.
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Cincinnati State: Braided Funding, Real Results
Cincinnati State leveraged braided funding—including federal, state, and private sources—to launch a cutting-edge welding lab, advancing student access to high-demand careers. This cross-sector collaboration not only boosted institutional sustainability but helped students like Lauren move from service work to full-time welding careers with strong starting wages.
Columbus State: Partnerships Drive Adult Training
Columbus State teamed up with organizations like OhioMeansJobs, the Columbus Urban League, and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks to connect more adults to training—boosting enrollment and building a model other regions can replicate.
Lakeland Community College: Welding Training That Pays Off
Lakeland’s accelerated welding program—built with employer input and grant support—is helping students boost their wages, gain certifications, and launch long-term careers in the skilled trades.
Lorain County Community College: Pioneering Earn-and-Learn for Advanced Manufacturing
Through TRAIN Ohio, Lorain County Community College launched a cutting-edge earn-and-learn model aligned with MEMS and flexible electronics—strengthening employer partnerships and securing national recognition and investment.
Lorain County Community College: MEMS Program
Lia Douglas’s path to a dream career in engineering took an unexpected turn—but staying local at Lorain County Community College opened the door to hands-on learning, industry internships, and an Intel opportunity of a lifetime. Her story shows how the Microelectronic Manufacturing (MEMS) and Ohio’s STEM investments are transforming student outcomes.
Northwest State: Hybrid Training That Works for Workers—and Employers
Northwest State’s intensive hybrid model lets students learn on their schedule—boosting graduation rates by 58%, reducing time to completion, and helping manufacturers fill critical roles faster.
Owens Community College: Braided Funding Expands Access to Skilled Trades
Owens combined federal, foundation, and community funding to enhance welding and machining training—partnering with Cherry Street Mission to deliver hands-on education to underserved adults in downtown Toledo.
Rhodes State College: Expanding Apprenticeships to Meet Industry Demand
Rhodes State is leading Ohio in growing manufacturing apprenticeships—becoming the state’s first community college Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor and helping other colleges follow suit through statewide technical assistance.
Sinclair College: FlexPace and Collaboration Boost Student Success
By uniting academic and workforce programs, Sinclair launched FlexPace—a self-paced, competency-based training model accelerating completions, awarding credit, and raising retention among advanced manufacturing students.
Sinclair College and FastLane: FlexFactor
Sinclair Community College and FastLane MEP are reshaping how high school students explore careers in advanced manufacturing through FlexFactor—a hands-on program blending STEM, entrepreneurship, and industry exposure.
Stark State College: Strategic Investment Expands Training
With Ohio TechNet grant support, Stark State launched the WR Timken Advanced Manufacturing Lab—securing additional funding, expanding capacity, and meeting nonstop industry demand with state-of-the-art equipment.
Cuyahoga Community College: Welding Skills, Real Jobs
Tri-C’s accelerated welding bootcamp combines industry-aligned training and national certifications to launch students into high-demand careers with employers like Great Lakes Towing.
Zane State College: From Layoff to Honors Graduate
After a layoff, Army veteran Robert Guy used Trade Adjustment Assistance to earn two degrees at Zane State—graduating summa cum laude and landing multiple job offers, including one typically reserved for bachelor’s grads.Have a Success Story to Share?
We want to hear how your college, company, or community partner is helping students succeed through innovative workforce training. Whether you’re expanding earn-and-learn opportunities, launching new programs, or celebrating a standout student outcome—your story can inspire others across Ohio and beyond. Submit your success story and help us highlight the real impact of collaboration in action.