Manufacturing 101: workers wanted

PIQUA, Ohio (WDTN) - When it comes to unemployment numbers in the Dayton region, the problem isn't a lack of jobs, it's a lack of job skills.

That is why Upper Valley Career Center started a new program that is re-tooling workers to meet the demand.

It is called Manufacturing 101 class and started just a couple of weeks ago.

"It was a great opportunity," said Mark Allen, one of the six students currently enrolled. "I'm glad I'm taking advantage of it".

Allen, works at Piqua based Hartzell Air Movement.

He has been with the company for a couple of years, working in the assembly department.

Last month, Hartzell executives posted an opportunity that Allen could not pass up.

The company was willing to pay the $4,000 dollar tuition to put him through the 12 week course.

"It is getting very competitive, the economy is turning around," said Mike Taylor, the plant manager at Hartzell Air Movement. "I'm currently trying to hire two machinists and it's hard to find good employees with the skill sets we are looking for. That's why we are excited about this program".
    
So far, Allen is the only sponsored student enrolled in the class.

However, school officials said it is a great opportunity for companies to get the specific skills they are looking for from people who are great candidates but, lack training.
"We recognized there are several semi-skilled or slightly under-skilled workers out there, that we could impact by bringing a short term program around to put them back in the workforce quickly," said Richard Haney, the Industrial Training Coordinator at Upper Valley Career Center.

If you are interested in learning more about the Manufacturing 101 program, call 778-8419.