Dave Ferguson
Clark State College is celebrating National Workforce Development Month by showcasing the college’s role in preparing students and community members for in-demand careers through innovative programs, employer partnerships and hands-on training opportunities that fuel the region’s economy.
“Workforce development is more than just filling jobs—it’s about opening doors,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., president of Clark State College. “At Clark State, we’re giving Ohioans of every age and background a path to a rewarding career—whether that’s a high school student earning college credit, a high school graduate continuing their education, a parent reskilling for a better job or a veteran starting a new chapter.”
According to the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, Ohio’s 22 public two-year institutions serve nearly 250,000 Ohioans each year. With more than 1,000 employer partnerships statewide, community colleges are the state’s top workforce partners and deliver the best value in higher education.
“Workforce wins happen when education and employers pull in the same direction,” said Avi Zaffini, president and CEO of OACC. “Ohio’s community colleges are doing exactly that—co-designing short-term credentials, apprenticeships and upskilling pathways that help Ohioans step into opportunity and help companies grow.”
In the 2024-25 academic year, Clark State helped 168 individuals earn professional credit certificates in high-demand fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology and the skilled trades. Through close collaboration with OhioMeansJobs, local employers and regional industry leaders, such as McGregor, Honda, City of Xenia, City of Springfield and Sweet Manufacturing, Clark State delivers practical training, customize-trainings and career services that align with employer needs and create direct pathways to success.
“Clark State plays a vital role in strengthening our region’s workforce,” said Dave Ferguson, Clark State director of workforce. “Our programs align directly with employer needs, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers ready to drive our community’s growth."
Currently, Clark State is offering several upcoming hands-on training opportunities.
On Oct. 8–9, Clark State will host OSHA 10 Training, a 10-hour course that introduces participants to the most common safety and health hazards in manufacturing. Topics include machine guarding, lockout procedures, ergonomics, communication, personal protective equipment, fire prevention and material handling. The cost of the training is $225.
From Oct. 21–23, Clark State will offer PLC Training, a three-day program focused on the fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controller systems used in industrial automation. Participants will gain knowledge of hardware components, ladder logic, operations, programming and troubleshooting techniques. The cost of the training is $700.
Beginning Oct. 27, Clark State will launch a 9-1-1 Communications Dispatch Academy, a six-week immersive program designed to prepare participants for one of the most vital roles in public safety. The academy trains individuals in industry-standard protocols, de-escalation techniques and legal and ethical responsibilities while also providing hands-on experience with essential technologies such as CAD systems, radio operations and NG911 platforms. Classes will run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Clark State Xenia Campus, 334 Progress Drive, Ste. 200. The cost is $2,000, and participants must be at least 18-years-old and hold a high school diploma or GED.
To learn more or register for current offerings, contact Clark State Workforce at workforce@clarkstate.edu.
“National Workforce Development Month is a reminder that Clark State is on the front lines of preparing community members and students for in-demand careers,” continued Ferguson. “Every day, Clark State connects learners of all ages to opportunities that change lives and strengthen our businesses and communities.”