Without a strong worker pipeline, companies will continue to face labor shortages into the foreseeable future. By helping our schools teach students about careers and locally available opportunities, MCEDC is strengthening our business climate.
Manufacturing Roadshow – High school students tour manufacturing plants and have shown that over 80% change their opinion from no interest in manufacturing to high interest in those careers.
Wadsworth Career Day – We participate and help recruit companies for Wadsworth High School to bring businesses into the classroom to talk to juniors and seniors about careers, fields, and how to determine what they could do after graduation.
Cloverleaf High School Explore Your Future – All seniors attend a day-long event that included a career fair, mock interviews, a presentation by the military, and a college fair.
Business Advisory Councils – BACs are required by state law for each school district. Partnering with the Medina County Educational Service Center, MCEDC serves as the BAC for five school districts. Staff also sits on two other BACs and advisory boards for the vocational programs.
School Speakers – Schools work with MCEDC to access speakers on topics like careers and career pathways, what companies are located in Medina County, how to interview, what companies need, and soft skills.
Wadsworth Career Fair – In March of each year, Wadsworth High School brings in companies to help seniors make career choices and find summer employment.
Guidance Counselor Resources – Guidance counselors in all seven school districts and both vocational programs have resources designed by MCEDC to help students find jobs, get jobs, and keep jobs.
Adult Degree Courses – MCEDC partners with the Medina County Career Center to bring adult-degree programs to the county giving attendees both certifications in their field and a high school diploma.
Veterans – A number of veterans outreach groups are leveraged to help returning and recovering vets find careers in Medina County.
Apprenticeships – MCEDC partners with higher education to create apprenticeship programs. The newest is a maintenance apprenticeship with classes held in Medina County by Lorain County Community College.
Intern Programs – Helping companies develop intern programs to give them a pipeline of candidates and provide student work experience is a win-win for our businesses.
Underage Workers in Plants – Integrity Staffing created a program allowing students age 16 and 17 to work in manufacturing plants. This opens the door for additional after-school job opportunities and provide students options after graduation.
Soft Skills – MCEDC has led the effort to develop a guide to soft skills needed in the workplace, working with the schools to identify where the soft skills already exist in curriculum, and providing companies an interview guide to uncover and evaluate soft skills in candidates.
