Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will embark on a five-state “Community College to Career” bus tour to highlight innovative industry partnerships this week. The tour will begin on February 22 with a visit at Columbus State Community College before continuing to DG Medical in Centerville.
At DG Medical, Dr. Biden and Secretary Solis will join BioOhio and Sinclair Community College officials to see first-hand the impact of a U.S. Department of Labor grant-funded biomedical training program led by BioOhio.
Launched in 2010, the three-year Ohio Bioworkforce Training Partnership aims to deliver training to 660 displaced or underemployed workers in declining industries for careers in Ohio’s growing bioscience industry. In addition, 40 incumbent workers will receive more advanced training to move into higher level jobs. Several DG Medical employees have completed training at Sinclair Community College, one of the program’s six college partners.
“We’re thrilled the program is being recognized on the tour,” said BioOhio Sr. Director of Workforce Bill Tacon. “Our community college and biomedical company partners throughout the state are making a real difference by collaborating to fill important jobs.”
Secretary Solis
Last week, President Obama announced a new $8 billion Community College to Career Fund co-administered by the Department of Labor and Department of Education to forge new partnerships between community colleges and businesses to train two million workers with skills that will lead directly to jobs.
Dr. Biden, a community college instructor for 18 years, and Secretary Solis, who began her career in public service as a community college trustee, will highlight the unique role community colleges can play in creating a flexible, highly-skilled 21st-century workforce to help businesses meet the specific emerging needs in their regions.
The February 22 DG Medical visit will begin with brief remarks at 1:30pm, followed by a tour and conversations with production line employees.
This event is open to the press. Press inquiries and RSVPs should be directed to BioOhio’s Matt Schutte at 614-905-0166 or mschutte@bioohio.com.
