WORKFORCE SUPPORT

In Ottawa County, we know there are workforce challenges and we are not shy to talk about it. By partnering with our local schools, businesses and workforce partners, we are working to solve the immediate workforce challenges that will result in a strong, stable workforce of the future.

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Ottawa County Business Advisory Council

Through our award-winning Ottawa County Business Advisory Council, high school juniors and seniors are given the opportunity to participate in the Career Engagement Opportunity (CEO) credit-based internship program. The Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy (STA) launched during the 2019-20 school year. The STA includes virtual classroom instruction from Northwest State Community College’s Core Manufacturing & Logistics Skills (CMLS) Program curriculum and in-person hands-on lab activities.

OhioMeansJobs Ottawa County

Hiring and matching job seekers to employment opportunities remains a top priority of the OCIC, as it is a top priority of our local businesses. The OCIC is in its fourth full year of operating the OhioMeansJobs Ottawa County center – serves both job seekers and businesses alike. Services include job placement assistance, resume support, practice with interview skills and more. Whether you are a business or job seeker, we highly encourage you to meet with our OhioMeansJobs Ottawa County offices staff.

Collaboration Efforts & Partners

Collaboration efforts play an integral role in the future growth of Ottawa County. OCIC meets regularly with our area partners to discuss priorities and strategies to support our workforce needs, and discuss the region’s workforce shortage and ways to enhance them. Our partners include JobsOhio/Regional Growth Partnership, Toledo CEDS, Firelands Forward, 4 County Group (4CG) and our local chambers of commerce.

Ottawa County: It’s All Here

Ottawa County: It’s All Here is a marketing initiative to bring awareness to Ottawa County youth about the wonderful career opportunities right here in their back yard. It’s important to understand you do not have to move to a different town to find a well-paying job or move to another state to get education and/or training. The message is simple. Build your future in a thriving community that truly cares about you. Live where you want to work, work where you want to play, and be surrounded by a community that wants to see you succeed.

Ottawa County Safety Council

The Ottawa County Safety Council (OCSC) promotes safety awareness in the business and industrial community by providing educational programs that improve the safety, health and environment of its members. In conjunction with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, the OCSC holds regular monthly meetings to provide safety-related information that improve and promote safe workplaces.