8 Graduate from Skilled Trades Academy

The Ottawa County Business Advisory Council (BAC) held their 2nd Graduation Ceremony for the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy (STA) on Thursday, May 12 at the Ottawa County Resource Center in Oak Harbor. The 8 graduates, their parents and family, local high school administrators, representatives from OhioMeansJobs Ottawa County, Northwest State Community College administration and instructors, and of course members of the Ottawa County BAC were in attendance.

Ken Williams, President of the Ottawa County BAC, welcomed everyone and introduced Mr. Albert Lewis Jr., Executive Vice President of Northwest State Community College. Mr. Lewis congratulated the students and spoke on the importance of training and education in today’s workforce.

Bill Hutchisson, Instructor, spoke about the program year and the hurdles the students went through due to COVID-19 lockdowns and absences. The students had a lot of material to go through in a short timeframe. Bill spoke to the students and mentioned the importance of being present and to give yourself the opportunity to experience all of it, as they didn’t get that opportunity this year.

The students participated in CPR Training, off-site and on-site business visits with local employers, and Forklift Training. Some of the students also completed the 2-week long Marine Trades Certificate Training that provided students with entry-level skills and training needed to begin a Marine Service Technician career. The Marine Trades Certificate Training will be part of the Skilled Trades Academy curriculum this coming school year.

Lu Cooke, Liaison to Lt. Governor Jon Husted, congratulated this years’ class and read aloud a letter each student received from Lt. Governor Jon Husted.

“To have this (Skilled Trades Academy) in your county is such an asset,” stated Lu Cooke. “Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished this school year.”

Prior to the graduation ceremony, local business representatives from LEWCO and Northern Manufacturing met with the students to talk about career opportunities.

The graduates were called up by name to receive their certificates that they completed throughout the program year including the Marine Trades Certificate. Congratulations to the following students:

• *Camden Bloomer, Oak Harbor High School
• Colin Brazelton, Genoa High School
• *Keegan Durdel, Oak Harbor High School
• Emmett Gillman, Port Clinton High School
• Dylan Green, Genoa High School
• Andrew Pautz, Woodmore High School
• *Ben Sage, Oak Harbor High School
• Lukas Schaub, Woodmore High School

*also received Marine Trades Certificate

Students who also earned their Marine Trades Certificate were Oak Harbor High School’s Robbie Jacobson, Samuel Sensmeier, and Ripley St. Clair.

The Ottawa County BAC and Northwest State Community College congratulates the 2022 graduates of the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy.

This BAC initiative is funded through a collaborative approach between an Ohio Department of Education Industry-Recognized Credentials grant, an Industry Sector Partnership grant from Governor DeWine’s Office of Workforce Transformation, and the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation. None of this would be possible without the ongoing support from the Ottawa County Community Foundation and our local employers.