L-R: David Barth, Associate Professor, Electronics Engineering Technology and Rich Frederick, Director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation

Edison Community College
Governor’s Reps visit for Tour, Workforce Collaborations 

Edison Community College hosted Rich Frederick, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation on Tuesday for a discussion on collaborative efforts between secondary, post-secondary and local industry partners. 

The meeting included a tour of Edison’s facilities and provided a showcase of examples of local partnerships and curriculum development that has been strategically designed to create post-secondary employment pathways that will help solve workforce gaps. 

The Ohio Workforce Transformations office has been working to establish “Regional Verticals” across the state, addressing the needs for a skilled workforce. The “Verticals” refer to the stages of a student going from a secondary education environment on to a post-secondary and then into employment. 

Representatives from both Edison Community College and the Upper Valley Career Center (UVCC), including Edison President Dr. Cristobal Valdez, UVCC Superintendent Dr. Nancy Luce, Edison Trustee Darryl Mehaffie and Vice President of Engineering for Emerson Climate Technologies Ken Monnier. 

Following the meeting, Frederick stated, “It was a pleasure to learn more about the efforts at Edison Community College. This kind of regional organization and customized training is essential to the life blood of Ohio.” 

In April, representatives from Emerson Climate Technologies, Edison and the UVCC met to discuss the possibility of partnering to create an HVAC degree. The faculty of both schools worked to develop courses needed to complete training that begins at the UVCC.  In order to be successful, Edison and UVCC will share resources, both human and physical. 

The model of the program has a starting point in high schools, career centers like the UVCC and job centers, and then moves into the realm of the community college, where students can earn an associate’s degree or complete a certificate program. From here, the student can either move on into the workforce or transfer their credits on to a four-year institution for the completion of a bachelor’s degree. 

Edison Community College president, Dr. Valdez commented, "We certainly appreciate Mr. Frederick's recognition of the collaborative work here in southwest Ohio. At Edison, we understand that one of our principle responsibilities is to strengthen the workforce in our three county area. We are very fortunate to have a host of partners to provide pathways to students and prepare skilled graduates for the industries that are essential to the economic viability of this region." 

Founded in 1973, Edison Community College offers a comprehensive two-year college experience to more than 3,500 students from across the region. With campuses located in Piqua and Greenville, Edison works closely with business and industry partners to help meet the growing demands of employers throughout Ohio by providing training and programs that lead to employment.