Workforce Development & Community Programming provides professional development training to individuals, and local business and industry. Classes are offered in various formats including traditional, online, day, evening, and weekend classes. Customized training is available to businesses wanting to upskill their incumbent workers.

  • Client-Focused Approach: We analyze your needs to design personalized training programs, ensuring a highly skilled workforce that elevates your organization.
  • Dedicated Support: Our experienced and motivated team is committed to your success, delivering knowledge and exceptional customer service to drive excellent outcomes
  • Training Partnerships: Collaborations with esteemed organizations like GROB Systems, Inc., Lima Memorial Health System, Cenovus Energy, Durez Corporation, Cooper Farms, and many others.
  • Flexible Options: Training tailored for your organization, available on-site, online, on campus, or through hybrid programs.

Through workforce training, Rhodes State College plays an important role in our region’s economic growth and lifelong learning by providing the following programs:

Rhodes State College is a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor with the state of Ohio and can sponsor your Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), in both union and non-union workplaces. Hundreds of occupations, not just the trades, can support a RAP. 

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Rhodes State Career Development partners with regional employers to help connect job openings with qualified Rhodes State student and alumni candidates as well as assist employers with assessing candidates for job readiness, providing career training opportunities. 

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Rhodes State College offers industry-recognized certifications through comprehensive training programs designed to meet the demands of various sectors. By partnering with leading industry organizations, the College ensures that its certifications remain current and relevant to today's job market.

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Employers seek multi-skilled, tech-savvy employees, and acquiring new skills often necessitates training and industry-recognized credentials. Rhodes State is prepared to offer both online and in-person training opportunities to meet these needs.

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Rhodes State College helps learners move forward by training skills to further or expand their career.

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The APEX Accelerators, formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), was authorized by Congress in 1985 to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in government contracts. The APEX Accelerators program focuses on building a strong, sustainable, and resilient U.S. supply chains by assisting a wide range of businesses that pursue and perform under contracts with the DoD, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors.  

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Through a unique partnership with Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., Rhodes State is able to offer training modules identical to those offered at the Mitsubishi Electric Automation headquarter in Vernon Hills, IL.  

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Rhodes State partners with Ed2Go to provide hundreds of online courses. These personal and professional development courses deliver introductory information in a short time frame, while advanced career training courses offer more comprehensive instruction over a longer period, often preparing students for certification or credential exams.

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Need assistance with assessing job candidates to ensure the right fit for your positions? Rhodes State College provides various options to evaluate candidates' strengths in job knowledge, skills, personality, and work style.

As a member of the Ohio Talent Development Network (OTDN), Rhodes State offers customized pre-hiring and employee development services to meet your needs.

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Ohio's TechCred Program gives businesses the chance to upskill current and future employees to help them qualify for a better job in today’s tech-infused economy. Businesses who submit successful applications will be reimbursed, up to $2000 per credential, when current or prospective employees complete technology-focused credentials.  Rhodes State offers a variety of these trainings, which can be completed online.  

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Ohio Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State College has accelerated business growth, helped create jobs, contributed to the economy by providing consulting and training to existing companies, and new start-ups. Free business counseling is available to those who reside in Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Hancock, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, or Van Wert Counties.

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Rhodes State offers a variety of youth programming events for students in grades 2-12 to experience exciting, hands-on educational opportunities on art, biology, STEM, manufacturing, artificial intelleigence, agriculture, and much more!  

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Meet Our Team

James Ricker

Coordinator, Workforce Partnerships
Ricker.J3@RhodesState.edu
(419) 995-8351

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Ashley Hunter

Coordinator, Youth & Community Programming
Hunter.M@RhodesState.edu
(567) 712-21747

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Nancy Gibbs

WDCP Systems Specialist
Gibbs.N@RhodesState.edu
(419) 995-8225

Krista Richardson

Director, Career Development
Richardson.K@RhodesState.edu
(419) 995-8312

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Barb Brdicka

Senior Director, Workforce Development & Community Programming
Brdicka.B@RhodesState.edu
(419) 995-8426