New Training Program Available in Darke County
Manufacturing Readiness program aims to prepare job seekers for
positions in Darke County and beyond
December 5, 2012 

DARKE COUNTY- Darke County has begun offering a manufacturing readiness training program to assist individuals seeking employment and opportunity in manufacturing in West Central Ohio. The program, which was developed with input from local companies, covers a broad range of subjects relevant to entry-level manufacturing positions including topics such as print reading, manufacturing processes, quality, employer expectations, and basic manufacturing math.  The class is one of many new initiatives launched recently as a part of the county’s workforce development efforts in conjunction with the Partnering for Progress initiative, Edison State College, and the Greenville Career Technical Education Center.  According to officials, the manufacturing readiness curriculum has potential to have a significant local impact. 

“We are fortunate in that we are experiencing a lot of growth in local manufacturing,” explained Marc Saluk, Darke County economic development director. “Because of this, there are many well-paying jobs with growth potential available but not always enough people trained properly to fill those positions. This class can hopefully help bridge that gap and create opportunity for individuals and business alike.” 

According to the Darke County Job Center, which is handling screening of applicants for the new offering, a drug test will be administered prior to the class as well as the Test of Adult Education (TABE) which tests basic reading and math skills.  The forty-hour training program is offered during the day for a one week period, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, or during the evening for a two week period, 4pm-8pm.   Aside from the class’s curriculum, features of the manufacturing readiness program include tours of manufacturing facilities, assistance with interviewing skills, and individual counseling on a variety of job-search related topics. Furthermore, upon successful completion of the training, individuals will have the opportunity to interview with local manufacturers.