Ohio (June 27, 2024) – Recently state lawmakers passed the $4.2 billion biennial state capital bill, which includes $500,000 for the Alliance for Working Together (AWT) Northeast Ohio Transformation Training Center located at 8980 Tyler Boulevard in Mentor, Ohio.
“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.” stated Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord).
“AWT is grateful to Governor DeWine and our Lake County legislative delegation and leadership in both Chambers for the funding contained in the state capital bill,” according to Teresa Simons, Executive Director of AWT. The AWT Northeast Ohio Transformation Training Center is a hub for workforce development, education, and industry sector collaboration that will serve our region for years to come.
“This state funding is testimony to how important manufacturing is to me and the rest of the Legislature. AWT has assumed a leadership position in dealing with workforce issues and I congratulate Roger Sustar and his team for all of their hard work,” commented Senator Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland).
The AWT Transformation Training Center bridges the gap between K-12 and adult workforce training in Northeast Ohio. The facility is centrally located in one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing in Ohio. Through the Training Center, the AWT Foundation provides connections to manufacturing careers through hands-on STEM experiences for K-12 students and educators, and apprenticeship and adult training for the incumbent workforce and those interested in starting a career in manufacturing today. This center provides the technically trained workforce area manufacturers need.
“ I am very grateful to my colleagues in the Ohio General Assembly for agreeing with our recommendation to appropriate $500,000 for the final phase of the Alliance Working Together (AWT) Training Center in Mentor. This outstanding partnership between government and our area manufacturing community will help address our workforce development challenges. 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”, stated Representative Daniel Troy. (D-Willowick)
About The Alliance for Working Together (AWT) Foundation
The Alliance for Working Together (AWT) Foundation is a 500+ member organization of manufacturers, community organizations, and educational partners dedicated to promoting rewarding careers in manufacturing. AWT provides STEM-to-career educational programs, short-term credential training, pre-apprenticeship pathways, and apprenticeship programs for the manufacturing community. AWT is the Endorsed Industry Sector Partner for Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties, serving as the training provider for manufacturing and the intermediary connecting our community and educational partners to careers in manufacturing.
For more information about the AWT Foundation please visit www.thinkmfg.com.
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