Robotics Training Up and Running in Mahoning Valley

Demand for robotics/automation operator earn-and-learn programs in the Youngstown-Warren market has spawned the creation a robotics operator training program coordinated by the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC), an OMA-endorsed sector partnership.

MVMC’s program was constructed with direct input from member manufacturers — and it meets five hallmarks of quality: paid work-based learning; related classroom instruction; structured on-the-job training; alignment to nationally portable credentials; and adherence to safety and EEO policies. MVMC worked with the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC) to develop the technical instruction, while creating resources to guide on-the-job training. Last fall, the program’s initial cohort completed training, resulting in eight newly credentialed employees at Pennex Aluminum in Leetonia.

The program is utilizing Ohio TechCred funding, which makes it easier for employers that need training but can’t afford to hire instructors. MVMC and MCCTC assisted participating employers in securing TechCred reimbursement. For more on this sector partnership success story, see this MVMC flyer, as well as this article by The Business Journal. 3/22/2021