The Ohio Technical Center Podcast Series

Host Rachael Mann welcomes Terri Lynn Brosseau, Adult Education Director at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (an Ohio Technical Center), to discuss how Career and Technical Education (CTE) supports adults through flexible schedules, small classes, and industry-expert instructors. Terri Lynn shares her career path from corporate technology leadership to education and administration, and outlines CVCC’s diverse offerings, including health careers, emergency response, industrial, and beauty. Highlights include the 180-hour telecommunications tower tech program that awards 10 certifications and leads to multiple career pathways, and a customizable multi-craft maintenance program using hands-on simulators for troubleshooting and diagnostics. They cover practical nursing op...

In this episode of the OTCs podcast, Matt Thompson, the Director of Adult Education at C-TEC of Licking County, sits down with Rachael Mann to discuss the critical role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in adult learning, emphasizing workforce development, flexible and relevant training programs, and direct pathways to employment. Matt shares his background in business and education, the unique challenges adult learners face, and how C-TEC collaborates with industry partners to ensure programs align with employer needs. The conversation covers various programs offered by C-TEC, including healthcare, public safety, skilled trades, IT, fiber optics, drone operations, and...

In this episode of the Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) podcast, host Rachael Mann chats with Michelle Rodewald, Director of Adult Workforce Education at Auburn Career Center. Michelle discusses her journey in educational leadership, detailing Auburn's adult education programs designed to meet the workforce needs of Northeast Ohio. Key topics include the center's partnerships with local businesses, high job placement rates exceeding 85%, and the customized training solutions addressing regional skills gaps. The conversation touches on the broad range of programs offered—from HVAC and healthcare to machining and public safety—and how Auburn's individualized support services, state-of-the-art facilities, and passionate inst...

In the first episode of Series 2 of the OTCs Podcast, host Rachael Mann speaks with Derek Brown of the Scioto County Career & Technical Center (SCCTC) to examine how one of Ohio’s most robust OTCs is meeting workforce needs, expanding training opportunities, and transforming the lives of learners across the region.

Derek discusses SCCTC’s rapid program expansion, shaped by close collaboration with employer advisory committees and responsive program design. Listeners will learn how SCCTC has strengthened healthcare pathways, launched new high-demand programs in industrial and technical fields, and created innovative training opportunities for residents of the STAR Community Justice Center. Through this partnership, adult learners earn valuable industry crede...

In the final episode of Season One of the OTCs Podcast, Kim Gates, Director of Adult Education at Warren County Career Center, discusses the center's initiatives and programs with host, Rachael Mann.

Situated uniquely between Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, the center offers seven comprehensive program pathways, including manufacturing, HVAC, welding, electrical power lines, cosmetology, EMS, and IT. Gates elaborates on a noteworthy program for incarcerated students, providing them with advanced manufacturing and robotics training to ease their reentry into the workforce. She emphasizes collaboration with local businesses to create customized training programs and discusses the center's upcoming...

In this episode of the OTCs podcast, explore how Upper Valley Career Center’s Adult Technology Center is shaping career pathways for adult learners in Ohio. Guest Duane Caudill shares insights into the center’s short-term training programs, focusing on high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, HVAC, welding, and automation. Key topics include the OTC Plus program, which allows high school students to enroll in technical education programs unavailable at their schools, and the center’s strong partnerships with business and industry to develop customized training solutions. Duane discusses the center’s International Apprenticeship Exchange Program, which connects students with Ger...

In this episode of the OTC's podcast, learn about the critical role of Ohio Technical Centers in workforce development, focusing on the EHOVE Career Center. Guest Laura Dowdell, the Adult Education Director at EHOVE, shares insights from her 26 years of experience in education, particularly highlighting EHOVE's innovative programs and strong partnerships. Key topics include the center's LPN-RN diploma program, the collaboration with Fisher-Titus Medical Center, and the unique marine trades technician program. Laura underscores the importance of customizing training to meet local workforce needs, ensuring program alignment with job market trends, and creating flexible and engaging educational opportunities for...

In this episode of the OTC podcast, host Rachael Mann converses with Stephanie Jury, Manager of Clinical Learning and Development at Adena Health, about the impactful collaboration with the Ohio Technical Center (OTC), Pickaway Ross Career Technical Center (PRCTC). This partnership provides hands-on clinical placements for students, addressing staffing needs and fostering workforce development through programs like STNA, LPN, and MA training. The initiative allows students to gain real-world experience in specialty clinics and has led to career advancements from roles in environmental services and nutrition to medical assistants, supported by fully-funded educational programs. Additionally, the partnership facilitates LPN...

Empowering Transformation: The STAR Community Justice Center and Ohio Technical Centers Partnership

In this episode of the Ohio Technical Centers podcast, host Rachael Mann welcomes Josh Dylan from the STAR Community Justice Center. They discuss the Center's mission as a community-based correctional facility aimed at providing felony offenders with cognitive behavioral therapy, CTE programs, and reentry resources. Josh explains the impactful partnerships with local career technical centers, such as Collins Career Technical Center, Scioto County Career Technical Center, and Tri-County Career Technical Center, which offer residents trade-based education and industry-recognized certifications. Success stories, the importance of community...

In this episode of the Ohio Technical Center's podcast, Rachael Mann interviews Frank Polen, the award-winning assistant superintendent and director of curriculum at Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Frank discusses the wide range of adult education programs offered at Buckeye Career Center, including full-time and part-time courses in fields like welding, healthcare, and firefighting. He highlights the unique opportunities provided by the Adult Diploma Program, which allows adults to earn high school diplomas and acquire valuable skills. Frank also emphasizes the importance of community and employer partnerships, institutional advisory councils, and workforce summits in shaping the programs...

In this episode, Lori Smith from the Washington County Career Center discusses her role in transforming community outreach efforts for adult technical training. The podcast explores the center's collaboration with the Ohio Means Job Center, which aims to increase young people's awareness about career opportunities that don't require a four-year degree. Notable initiatives include interactive training trailers and events like the Manufacturing in Action and Discover Healthcare Careers fairs, which connect students with local employers and diverse career pathways. For more information about the career center in your area, visit www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/.

<...

In this podcast episode, Keith Horner, superintendent of Apollo Career Center and president of OACTS, discusses his career transition from teaching to administration. He highlights the transformative impact of career technical education and the role of Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) in workforce development. Horner shares insights on the strong community and industry partnerships that Apollo has fostered, tailored training programs, and the successful integration of education and business needs to enhance student career readiness. For more information about the career center in your area, visit www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/.

In this episode, we are joined by guest Jennifer Sanders, who is the School Superintendent at the Ohio Central School System through the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The partnership between the Ohio Central School System and the Ohio Technical Centers is driving positive change in the lives of incarcerated individuals. Through a commitment to providing quality education and 21st-century career technical training, these organizations are equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to reenter society as productive citizens. With a focus on building capacity and expanding opportunities, the partnership aims to fill the workforce needs of...

Welcome to the Inaugural Episode of the Ohio Technical Center Podcast Series!

In this pivotal first episode, your host, Rachael Mann, is joined by special guest, Bill Bussey, the executive director of the OTCs, to dive deep into the transformative world of Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs), bringing to light how these institutions are shaping the future of adult education and workforce development in Ohio.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The Genesis of OTCs: Discover the rich history behind the Ohio Technical Centers, tracing their roots back to the vocational education movement of...