SkillsTrac is a comprehensive regional training network to deliver advanced manufacturing training to workers in Western Ohio, whether they are already working for an employer… or have been displaced and are seeking employment.

The power of partnership: SkillsTrac is the product of a partnership between members of the Western Ohio Training Consortium -- Edison Community College, Sinclair Community College, Wright State University -- Lake Campus, the Ohio Job Center Network, and the Miami County Economic and Community Development agency. The partnership competed for – and received – a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in the amount of just over $2 million which will…

Address the training needs of manufacturing employers in Western Ohio

Upgrade employees’ skills in advanced manufacturing processes

Provide a means for displaced workers to acquire new skills in advanced manufacturing processes

Promote careers in manufacturing to the next generation of workers

Create a curriculum and provide equipment to deliver cutting-edge training that will have an impact on the region long after the three-year life of the grant

The curriculum: The SkillsTrac training program curriculum is comprehensive, progressive, and industry-driven. That makes it appropriate for both large and small manufacturers. Training may be funded up to 100% for qualifying companies within the curriculum guidelines. With one phone call, advanced manufacturing employers will be able to contact their closest training institution to arrange training to be delivered.  Available training includes modules on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Industrial Electrity, Fluid Power & Automation Systems.

The goals: Using innovative instruction techniques – including online learning -- SkillsTrac will tap into the grant funds to provide up to 144 hours of training to each of 160 workers already employed in manufacturing, and 40 displaced workers, for a total of 28,800 student contact hours of training. These are our minimum expectations and hopefully together we will far exceed these benchmarks. Having completed this instruction, workers will be more proficient in their jobs, offering their employers increased productivity, increased loyalty, and enhanced profitability.

For more information, please contact Donna Hoying at donna.hoying@sinclair.edu or call 937-512-5011.