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Youth Career Exploration Focus of New Ohio Resources

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, recently announced the launch of a new resource that provides information to students, parents, and teachers about the different career pathways available to high schoolers. The “Find Your Career Pathway” video aims to guide students in their educational journey to landing a successful career right here in Ohio.

Lt. Governor Husted says “Ohio’s on the rise. We are landing some of the largest economic development deals in history, and we need to have a prepared workforce. This resource presents options available for Ohio’s students so they can make the best decision for their future.”

“Find Your Career Pathway” encourages Ohio students, parents, and schools to start conversations earlier about the best pathway to a successful career in Ohio.

 “It’s a game-changer. Awareness of what career and technical education provides and how it can open doors for all kinds of students is key to our workforce. Students must be able to see it to be it!  Ohio needs a workforce, and career exposure courses provide opportunities for students to discover the myriad of jobs that are available right here in central Ohio. Students are introduced to all career pathways, some they may have never even thought about or considered like manufacturing, welding, and robotics. This has been my life’s work so to see that Ohio, our students, parents, educators, and employers get it, which is very gratifying and exciting,” said Pegeen Cleary Potts, Director of Tolles Career & Technical Center and a WDBCO Board Member.

The video features five students from around the state sharing their experiences with each pathway. The highlighted pathways include:

  1. Career Technical Education – provides students of all ages with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners.
  2. Pre-Apprenticeships – teaches entry-level technical and job-readiness skills for an apprentice occupation to prepare students for a formal Registered Apprenticeship training program upon graduation.
  3. College Credit Plus – helps students earn college and high school credits simultaneously by taking college courses from local colleges or universities while in high school. 
  4. Industry-Recognized Credentials – demonstrates the knowledge and skills students gain through hands-on learning in a specific job or industry.

An accompanying toolkit was developed to share information about the pathways and other resources available to help students and families learn more about each. 

To learn more about the “Find Your Career Pathway” resource and to help spread the word, visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/CareerPathways.