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Technical skills training: A springboard to success

Published: May 31, 2024

In Ohio, Warren County Career Center students trade textbooks for tools as they make the transition into the workforce

“I’m a bit jealous of the students—they have many more resources and options to explore career possibilities than I did.”

That’s superintendent Joel King of the Warren County Career Center (WCCC), based in Lebanon, Ohio. The center, which has been in operation for more than 50 years, offers valuable skills training in industries most relevant to today’s workforce for those looking to prepare for college, accelerate their start in the workforce, or simply upskill within an existing career.

“We help students understand their career options and provide the foundational, entry-level skills for them to explore them. We’ve fought really hard to help others understand that going to a career center doesn’t mean you can’t still go to college later,” says King.

“We help students springboard their career—whichever path they decide to take it.”

Each year, more than 500 high school students enrol in on-campus WCCC programs. Priority is given to the six high schools in Warren County, but some students from as far as Kentucky and Indiana have enrolled for more specialized education like the electrical power line program.

Demand is high. Last year, the center received more than 800 applications for the 534 spots available.

“All but two programs were waitlisted last year,” says King. “One of our top priorities is expanding capacity so we can answer this need. Students are clearly hungry for this hands-on learning experience.”

The adult education programs at WCCC also serve more than 500 students on average. All-in, several thousand students are served each year between the satellite programs for middle schoolers.

Enbridge recently provided a Fueling Futures grant of $5,000 to WCCC as part of our commitment to strengthening communities near our operations. Enbridge funding supported the heavy equipment operations program and electrical trades program in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

In the heavy equipment program, students learn the basics of surveying, operating equipment and the basics of maintenance and repair. Our funding supported a field trip to Enbridge’s Lebanon compressor station, in Warren County, along our Texas Eastern gas transmission network last year, and also purchased some tools for classroom use.

“That field trip was really beneficial for our students to go on-site and learn some of the possibilities for work,” says King.

Evidently, WCCC programs extend far beyond the classroom. The center is involved in helping to match students to employers for temporary work terms and also verifies their training by providing testing and certification.

“Employers tell us: ‘If you can give me a student with the basics, we can give them everything else they need to succeed at our company,’ ” says King.

“It’s great—we are seeing more and more companies willing to take those students on, and then students then committing to those companies.”

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