(Submitted)
The Alliance for Working Together Northeast Ohio Transformation Training Center is the recipient of $500,000 in state capital funds, part of the recently passed $4.2 billion biennial state capital bill.
“AWT is a perfect example of a true public-private partnership working to address manufacturing and technology workforce needs for both today and the future,” said state Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord Township.
The center, at 8980 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, serves as a “hub for workforce development, education and industry sector collaboration,” added Executive Director Teresa Simons.
“We are grateful to Gov. (Mike) DeWine, our Lake County legislative delegation, and leadership in both chambers for the funding,” she said.
State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, noted the action stands as testimony to how important manufacturing is.
“AWT has assumed a leadership position in dealing with workforce issues and I congratulate Roger Sustar (owner and CEO of Fredon Corp., and foundation founder) and his team for all of their hard work,” he said.
Simons additionally noted that the AWT Transformation Training Center bridges the gap between K-12 and adult workforce training in Northeast Ohio, and is centrally located in one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing in Ohio.
Through the center, the AWT provides connections to manufacturing careers through hands-on STEM experiences for students and educators, and apprenticeship and adult training for the incumbent workforce.
“This center provides the technically trained workforce area manufacturers need,” she added.
State Rep. Dan Troy, D-Willowick, said the funding for the final phase of the center heightens “outstanding” regional community-government cooperation.
“I am very grateful to my colleagues in the Ohio General Assembly for agreeing with our recommendation (to appropriate $500,000),” he added. “Not only will this training facility serve to create interest in the challenging new world of high-tech manufacturing for our younger generation, but it will also be a great resource to prepare those interested for exciting and rewarding careers in this field.”
