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ARCHBOLD, OHIO – OhioMeansJobs-Hancock County, the City Mission, Northwest State Community College, and the Fostoria Learning Center are excited to announce that seven learners have completed their Introduction to Welding course, and are OSHA 10-hour certified.

This great accomplishment could not have been possible without the partnership of the aforementioned organizations. The seven individuals also participated in a job fair at the Fostoria Learning Center, featuring JK-Co Specialty Railcar, Werk-Brau, Mennel Milling, Callies Performance Products, Vaughn Industries, and General Dynamics.

This event has led to the seven participants being invited to additional interviews and welding tests at local companies.

Randall Galbraith, Director of Hancock County Jobs and Family Services, is thrilled with the results of this group. “I am very pleased with the outcome of this inaugural class.

The seven individuals, who worked so hard to learn a new skill, are remarkable people. I wish them all the best as they launch themselves into a new and successful career.” Galbraith went on to speak about the importance of the partnerships developed through this program.

“I want to thank our partners, without which none of this would have been possible: Northwest State Community College, City Mission of Findlay, Fostoria Learning Center, Fostoria Economic Development, the staff of the Ohio Means Jobs – Hancock County, and of course the Hancock County Commissioners who have been so supportive of our workforce development collaborations.”

The City Mission continues to utilize this opportunity to find solutions for their residents. In doing so, the City Mission has been impacted beyond training for their residents.

“The City Mission reached and exceeded our goals for Giving Tuesday, I believe, in part, because people want to give to programs that are helping find permanent solutions to someone’s homelessness, or unemployment and that is what City Mission wants to do.” Stated City Mission Executive Director Kathryn Bausman.

The seven men participating in this program have shown determination, kindness, and a willingness to learn a new skill. Neal Martin, OSHA instructor for Northwest State Community College was thoroughly impressed with the group.

“I thought this group of gentlemen were one of the best classes I have taught in my three years of teaching the OSHA course. They were all attentive, all asked questions, all answered questions, and were very involved in each day’s training session. I wish them the best, they were a great bunch of guys!”

The course completed by the seven learners was an introductory course, intended to supply individuals with entry level knowledge and skills. Each learner traversed 78 hours of training, including their OSHA certification.

“Impressed, that is all I can say. These seven individuals have been an inspiration to all of us.” Said Jim Drewes, VP of Workforce Development at Northwest State Community College.

Drewes went on to say, “This is a life changing moment for these seven men, and goes to show how important partnerships are to making communities and their citizens better. I would like to thank all involved parties, this is a win for Hancock County.”

The Fostoria Learning Center continues to be a great partner, not only providing a facility, but assisting with a job fair, and much more. Renee Smith, Executive Director of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, looks forward to more collaboration.

“The Fostoria Learning Center was a proud partner in this pilot initiative. It was an absolute pleasure to work with the men involved in the Welding Cohort and we look forward to future partnership opportunities.”

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