Nora Hatem, professor and program coordinator of engineering technologies at Clark State, reviews the new motor control training equipment at Clark State’s Xenia campus.
Clark State College is expanding its commitment to workforce development and hands-on education with the opening of a new Directed Learning Lab at its Xenia campus. Located at 334 Progress Drive, the lab is poised to benefit both students and local industries by providing high-demand technical training in a flexible and accessible environment.
The lab serves as a resource for students pursuing certificates and degrees in engineering, industrial, manufacturing and mechanical engineering technologies. With a focus on skills and real-world application, the lab allows students to gain hands-on experience using industry equipment guided by experienced instructors.
Nora Hatem, professor and program coordinator of engineering technologies at Clark State, emphasized the value and flexibility of the lab’s new location. “The lab allows students to gain knowledge in a multitude of engineering related technologies with a location that is closer to home. They have flexibility as to when and where they attend and have access to state-of-the-art equipment at both the Xenia location and on our Springfield main campus. Both locations are staffed with instructors who have extensive experience and backgrounds in industrial maintenance fields.”
The lab is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and incorporates AMATROL E-learning which focuses on core technical areas. The new lab supports the completion of certificates, many of which can be earned in as little as one semester. These certificates include manufacturing foundations (also available online), hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical. Students can complete an industrial maintenance certificate within two semesters.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy funded by Super RAPIDS—a $40 million investment from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The program promotes collaboration among higher education institutions and supports regional workforce development, particularly in high-growth areas like semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
Clark State has a proven track record of collaborating with regional employers to meet workforce needs.
Adam Parrillo, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business and Applied Technologies, pointed to partnerships with regional employers such as L-H Battery Company. The joint venture was recently established in Jeffersonville by LG Energy Solution and Honda to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
“We've worked with L-H Battery Company from the beginning; during plant construction, the ongoing hiring process and as they continue training their associates and preparing for production,” said Parrillo. “Our Directed Learning Lab at the Leffel Lane campus in Clark County has played a critical role in conducting skills assessments for them and other local manufacturers. Our new Xenia lab will offer another local advantage, expanding that same access and support across Greene County and surrounding communities.”
To learn more or to enroll, visit www.clarkstate.edu.