ConxusNEO — the OMA-endorsed sector partnership for Portage and Summit counties — recently joined forces with Stark State College to launch a new apprenticeship program in the greater Akron area to serve the entry-level needs of manufacturers. Under the Certified Production Technician (CPT) program, participants attend a three-hour, in-person class on Monday evenings, with the remaining seven hours of weekly coursework conducted online from home. To help spread the word about the CPT program, ConxusNEO utilized materials like this brochure and this PowerPoint made possible by the partnership’s use of MakingOhio — established by the OMA and its partners to spotlight the many exciting, well-paying careers in modern manufacturing. At the same time, ConxusNEO worked with other local organizations, including the Akron Urban League. After just three weeks of outreach, nine individuals from three different community organizations had enrolled in the program. The community organizations provide assistance and case management services to the program participants — and continue to offer support after they are hired. According to ConxusNEO Director of Manufacturing Engagement Jenny Stupica, three companies have committed to offer either an eight-week, paid earn-and-learn opportunity or full-time employment upon participants’ successful completion of Module 1 (Safety) at an hourly wage of at least $13. 2/11/2021