Rhodes State College (RSC) has seen an increase in apprenticeships in recent years. Employer partners include Grob Systems, Ford Motor Company, Production Products, Inc., Progressive Stamping, Inc., Dana Holdings, Koneta Rubber, DTR, Coldwater Machine, Whirlpool, and Miller Precision
The apprentice program is part of an educational pathway allowing students to earn multiple certificates, degrees and an industry recognized credentials. Rhodes State provides Related Instruction for both Registered Department of Labor Apprenticeship Programs and non-registered apprenticeship programs. Apprentices earn RSC credit for all Related Instruction in various skilled trade fields of study including Electrical, Machine Repair, Millwrights, Multi-skilled, Powerhouse, Plumber/Pipefitter, Tool and Die, Toolmaker and Quality.
On October 24, 2016, Rhodes State College became Ohio’s first community college to receive approval from the State of Ohio Office of Apprenticeship to be designated as a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor. The Community College Apprenticeship Sponsorship model is especially attractive to small and medium sized businesses who may not have the resources to initiate and support some of the administrative requirements needed to create an apprenticeship program.
Due to Rhodes State College’s leadership in the development of apprenticeship programs, Margo Meyer, Ohio TechNet project manager at RSC, has been designated to assist other Ohio TechNet schools seeking to expand Registered Apprenticeships. Through partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Margo is working with several OTN schools in the development and expansion of manufacturing apprenticeship programs.
