|
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services statistics show that the state’s unemployment rate is down – 8.1 percent in December, down from 8.5 percent in November and 9.5 percent a year earlier.
Nonetheless, many Ohioans are entering 2012 unemployed, or under-employed. Many are also looking to make a career change due to economics or dissatisfaction.
In addition to local four-year colleges and universities, and the region’s community colleges, there are a number of options for those looking to get started on a new career. A sampling includes:
Oregon Career & Technology Center
The Oregon Career & Technology Center offers programs that allow students to upgrade or acquire new skills to jumpstart their career, to remain competitive or to explore new areas and develop new abilities, either for personal or professional reasons.
Through a combination of classroom and hands-on learning, onsite work experiences with local employers, and industry-driven curriculum, students learn the skills to become successful employees. OCTC offers five full-time courses: EMT-Basic, Medical Administrative Assistant, Dental Administrative Assistant, Culinary, and the new Early Childhood Development Associate program.
Along with our longer programs, OCTC offers an array of short-term trainings in other medical areas such as Pharmacy Technician, Electronic Health Records, Medical Terminology, Medical Billing & Coding and Transcription.
Other offerings include CPR Heart Saver, AED, Healthcare Provider, and the CPR Instructor Course, an EMT Basic Program and both 10 and 30 Hour OSHA Training. New this year in the medical area is Phlebotomy. OCTC also offers OSHA-approved forklift training,
An array of computer and special interest programs are offered in the evening.
Tuition and fees vary depending on the program. The center works with prospective students to obtain financial aid, including federal grants, funding through Lucas County Department of Job & Family Services and Veterans benefits.
Oregon Career & Technology’s Wynn campus is located at 5224 Bay Shore Rd., Oregon. For more information call 419-697-3450 or visit www.oregonctc.org.
Penta Career Center Adult & Continuing Education
Penta Career Center offers hands-on education and training in a number of fields. Some programs require less than a year to complete.
Full-time programs include Auto Body Collision Repair; Automotive Technologies; Builder, Contractor and Remodeler Technology; Business Administration; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration and Welding & Fabrication.
A variety of part-time programs are also offered including assorted apprenticeship programs; a range of Builder, Contractor & Remodeler programs; Computer Technology courses; a Marine Skills Mechanic program; Ohio Peace Officer Training (Private Security Training); Floral Design & Bow-Making; Welding and more.
Medical and Health Programs offered include CPR courses; a Dietary Management Training Certificate Program; Medical Office; Pharmacy Technician; State-Certified Nurse’s Aide (STNA) and more.
Adult Basic Education courses are also available, along with a wide range of affordable online ed2go classes.
Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Penta Career Center is located at 9301 Buck Rd., Perrysburg. For more information, call 419-661-6555 or visit www.pentacareercenter.org.
Toledo Academy of Beauty
Toledo Academy of Beauty has been training students for careers in the salon and spa industry for more than 50 years.
Nationally accredited, the academy offers programs in cosmetology, nail technology and esthetician (skin care). Programs train students to meet and surpass state requirements. The school trains using product and technique variety (not controlled by any one product).
The Academy’s South School is located in South Toledo on the corner of Byrne and Glendale; the East School is located on Navarre Avenue in Oregon.
For the combined Cosmetology & Manager Program:
• Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Requires 1,800 hours of coursework – 14 months for full-time students, 16 months for part-time students and 25 months for evening students. An accelerated 12 month program is also available at the East School, located in Oregon.
• Information is available about payment plans, grants, scholarships and student and private loans.
• 86 percent placement rate. Lifetime placement services offered.
Call 419-478-6660 for tuition information, a personal interview, tour or more information. More information is also available at www.ToledoAcademyofBeauty.com.
Trainco Truck Driving School
Trainco Truck Driving School in Perrysburg offers a full-service truck driver training program.
Day, night and weekend classes are offered to fit any schedule. Trainees can finish the truck driver training program in as little as four weeks with day classes, and in five weeks with night classes.
The Perrysburg location is situated on a large expanse of land for practicing skills drivers will need to obtain a CDL. Training is facilitated by qualified instructors.
Tuition is $3,995. The program is Ohio Job and Family Services approved. The school also works with several credit unions for personal loans.
Trainco, which boasts a greater than 90 percent job placement, is partners with Owens Community College.
Schedule a tour of the Trainco campus, located at 26718 Oregon Rd., Perrysburg, by calling 419-837-5730 or visit www.traincoinc.com.
Toledo Dental Academy
Established in 1994, the Toledo Dental Academy emphasizes hands-on training to meet employers’ clinical and administrative needs.
Dental assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of dentists. Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Daytime and evening classes are offered. The morning program will run approximately 12 weeks, five hours a day, allowing for 240 hours of classroom/lab followed by an additional 90-hour externship. The evening program will run approximately 16 weeks, five hours, three evening a week, allowing for 240 hours of classroom/lab followed by an additional 90-hour externship.
Tuition covers all of the following costs and materials including text and workbooks; all training and visual aids; all dental materials and supplies; use of all equipment and radiographic film; practical experience in a dental office; Ohio State Radiographer Certification; DANB Radiation Health and Safety Certification; OSHA Certification; CPR/AED Certification and externship referral and placement assistance. Various payment options available.
Toledo Dental Academy is located at 4352 Sylvania Ave., Suite F., Toledo. Call 419-841-1292 or visit www.tdacademy.com for more information.
Healing Arts Institute
Founded in 1997, Healing Arts Institute provides training and continuing education in massage therapy and allied fields.
Graduates receive a diploma in massage therapy, qualifying them to take the state medical board exam to become licensed massage therapists. Graduates who move out of state may choose to take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) exam.
The school is enrolling now for the spring academic schedule, which beings in April.
• Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Program includes 750 clock hours (12 months full-time, or 24 months part-time to complete).
• Students develop the knowledge and skills of massage techniques as well as an understanding of business procedures and communication skills.
• Base tuition is $8,550 plus approximately $1,765 for lab fees, books, supplies, liability insurance, CPR certification, etc..
• 21 credits transfer toward an associate’s degree at Northwest State Community College.
• 70 percent of graduates obtained employment within the field within one year of graduation.
Healing Arts Institute is located at 340 Three Meadows Dr., Perrysburg. Call 419-874-4496 or visit www.haiohio.com for more information.
Maritime Academy of Toledo
The new Cruise Ship Professional Development Training and the U.S. Coast Guard approved Basic Safety Training Programs began Monday, January 23, 2012 at The Maritime Training and Education Center at 803 Water St., Toledo.
The Cruise Ship Professional Development Training will acquaint applicants with career opportunities, lifestyle, and the overall work environment aboard cruise ships.
“While this training program will address cruise ship jobs, we will also introduce applicants to other career opportunities in the maritime industry, such as working for the Military Sealift Command which moves goods around the world for U.S. armed services at sea,” said Renee Marazon, CEO of The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation.
The STCW Basic Safety training is a U.S. Coast Guard requirement for anyone working in the maritime industry. The training involves personal survival skills, first aid, CPR, personal safety and social responsibility, and basic firefighting techniques.
“In light of the cruise ship tragedy in Italy, we cannot say enough about the need to be properly trained to address any crisis situation at sea or on the Great Lakes,” Ms. Marazon said. “Our applicants will learn not only basic safety training, but will also receive training in crowd control, crisis management, and cruise ship fundamentals.”
Since November, over 100 people expressed interest in learning more about the two-week training programs. Ten applicants have been qualified for these first classes.
After completing the training, a successful applicant will have required certifications, which include a passport; Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC); and Merchant Marine Credential (MMC).
The Academy is accepting applications for the next class, scheduled for March 26, as well as other future classes. The academy also offers culinary training. For more information on training programs, call 419-244-9999 or visit www.themaritimefoundation.us.
Resources for job-seekers
There are a number of resources to help job seekers throughout the Northwest Ohio area.
• The Source is a one-stop center offering resources for people looking for jobs and businesses and organizations looking for new employees. 1301 Monroe St., Toledo Call 419-213-JOBS (5627) or visit www.thesourcenwo.com for more information.
• The Northcoast Jobs Connection Job Stores and the Seneca One Stop offer numerous services and resources for job seekers and employers. A variety of seminars are offered free to anyone in the community. Locations are available in Ottawa and Sandusky counties, as well as Seneca, Erie and Huron counties. In Ottawa County, call 1-800-665-1677, ext. 270; in Sandusky County, call 419-332-2169 or visit www.northcoastjobs.org
In Wood County, job-seekers can call JOBSolutions of Wood County, 1928 E. Gypsy Lane Rd , Bowling Green.
1-888-282-1118 or www.woodcountyjobs.com
 |
Special Sections 
Subscribe to this comment's feed