Tri Rivers Career Center

Tri-Rivers Career Center

Like many states across the nation, Ohio faces a dire need for skilled-trade workers. To combat this issue, Tri-Rivers Career Center’s Adult Education offers skills training programs. Tri-Rivers Adult Education Director, Richard George, explains the value adult education programs, “Education is life-changing. Adult Ed focuses on in-demand careers. If we are offering the program, there are jobs available waiting for our graduates. The vast majority of our program participants stay and work in the area. By investing in the education of our Marion County residents, we invest in creating a stronger economy and community.”

Tri-Rivers offers education programs including Robotics, Welding and Fabrications, Industrial Maintenance, EMT, Paramedicine, and a wide range of Healthcare/Nursing programs. These comprehensive education programs lead the way to remarkable transformations in students’ lives, both personally and professionally.

Nicholas graduated from the Adult Diploma program with his high school diploma and welding certifications.

One of those transformations took place in the life of 27-year-old Nicholas Ware who participated in the Adult Diploma program. Participants graduate with not only the skills and certifications they need, but also a high school diploma in place of a GED. When Nicholas and his dad first visited Tri-Rivers, they didn’t know about the Adult Diploma program, said Ware. He was eager to learn more about the welding program and happy to find out that Basic Welding program was also an Adult Diploma program, which meant it was at no cost. He earned his high school diploma while receiving the training and certification he needed to start his career in the welding industry. In August of 2019, he decided to continue his education and join the 650-hour, full-time Welding, Fabrication and Allied Processes program. He graduates January 15, 2020 with multiple nationally recognized certifications. He’s looking to the future and dreams of working in the Aerospace Industry. Nicholas shares his experience, “My welding classes were very much hands-on. My instructors were so knowledgeable and let us work at our own pace and work style.”

Like Nicholas Ware, Katie Keller Stevens was looking to transform her life and open doors to a new career. Katie dreamt of following in her grandfather’s, Dr. Jim Schuler, footsteps. Her compassion and care for others led her to the PCT (Patient Care Technician) Adult Education program. Upon completion of the program, she enrolled in Tri-Rivers LPN Program. After working at a nursing home and completing her prerequisite courses, Katie then enrolled in Tri-Rivers LPN-RN program, which she completed in 2014. She then accepted a job at The Center for New Beginnings at Marion General Hospital. Her time at Tri-Rivers inspired her to explore opportunities and continue her education. Katie recently earned her BSN at Ohio University and gives back to Tri-Rivers by being a preceptor to current Tri-Rivers students.

Employers know that hiring top talent is expensive, and training and education isn’t always easily accessible for potential employees. Tri-Rivers Career Center is part of a new program that offers a solution for Marion County. In October 2019, Tri-Rivers Career Center offered its first round of TechCred. TechCred.Ohio.Gov is a program through the State of Ohio that allows businesses with training partners like Tri-Rivers to educate both current and future employees and teach them the skills needed for today’s jobs.

Through Tri-Rivers healthcare and nursing programs, Katie has a bright future in the healthcare industry.

The new program is at no cost to the learner and reimburses the expense to businesses. TechCred consists of micro courses–ranging from as little as six weeks to no longer than a year. These courses are designed to teach adults the technical skills they need to succeed in an in-demand job. For more information on TechCred, the Adult Diploma Program, or Adult Education Programs, call Tri-Rivers Career Center at (740) 389-4682 or visit online at tririvers.com