Owens plays vital role in training for skilled manufacturing

        Ohio is firmly positioned as one of the nation’s leaders in manufacturing jobs and producing manufactured goods, and Owens Community College is a vital piece of that equation, training the next generation of the workforce that will continue that growth.
        “Owens Community College plays a critical role in preparing individuals for the workforce by offering hands-on training and industry-relevant education in advanced manufacturing, transportation technologies and skilled trades,” said Baqer Jaber Aljabr, Owens assistant dean for Advanced Manufacturing, Skilled Trades and Transportation.
        “Our state-of-the-art facilities, including the Dana Center, provide cutting-edge technologies that give our students an unmatched advantage. Coupled with our industry-leading faculty and strong partnerships with local employers, we ensure our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to meet the growing demands of manufacturing sectors in northwest Ohio and beyond. Manufacturing leaders trust the quality of education our students receive, knowing they are ready to tackle real-world challenges from day one.”
        Friday, October 4 is Manufacturing Day, which recognizes manufacturing industry members and careers which help communities thrive.
        Ohio ranks third in the nation with more than 687,000 manufacturing jobs, and it produces more than $134 billion annually in manufactured goods.
        The state ranks first nationally for glass, plastics and rubber product manufacturing employment and second in paper manufacturing, primary metal manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and electrical equipment, appliance and component manufacturing employment.
        "In Ohio, we build, we create, and we produce items that make people’s lives better, all across the country,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a press release. “Ohio is a great place to do business, and our thriving manufacturing sector is a big part of the growth we are continuing to see in our state’s economy. Manufacturing is fueling success in our businesses and growth in our communities.”
        At Owens, the Department of Advanced Manufacturing offers a variety of degree programs and certificates: associate degrees in Applied Engineering Technology, CAD Technology and Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, and certificates in CAD, Manufacturing Foundations, Semiconductor Technician and Water Treatment Professions.
        Owens also offers associate degrees and certificates in its Department of Skilled Trades and Department of Transportation Technologies.
        The Dana Center at Owens is a $9.6 million, 59,000-square foot facility dedicated to advanced manufacturing training on the Owens Toledo-area Campus. Students receive highly technical and integrated training in a modernized setting. The Dana Center includes technical labs, classrooms and faculty offices.
        “We are proud to educate and train the next generation of skilled manufacturing employees in northwest Ohio and beyond. With the variety of programs we offer and the incredible training space we have at Owens, our students enter the workforce ready to make a difference and become the leaders of tomorrow. Owens graduates regularly rank among the best and brightest in the skilled manufacturing sector,” said Charlene Page, executive director for Owens Workforce and Economic Development.
        For more information on the Department of Advanced Manufacturing, Department of Skilled Trades and Department of Transportation Technologies, visit owens.edu/stem.