“Clark State is pleased to be selected to scale our apprenticeship work in high demand fields that serve southwestern Ohio’s economy,” said Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “Clark State’s commitment to workforce developement is part and parcel of our mission.”
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AACC selected Clark State for the funding over a 32-month period effective immediately. Clark State expects to have 150 student apprentices enrolled in the program throughout the three-year program.
Clark State was identified as, “uniquely positioned to provide relevant career and techincal education in support of apprenticeship initiatives serving labor market needs, primarily in cybersecurity,” a statement from Clark State said.
Over the last 10 years, Clark State has been awarded three National Scince Foundation grants that exculsively focused on cybersecurity and addressed academic curriculum design, faculty traning, student internships and academic course development, Blondin said.
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“We have also developed new advanced manufacturing and precision agriculture certificate and degree programs,” Blondin said. “Those industries and the defense industry are particulary vulnerable to cybersecurity issues. Our apprenticeship program in cybersecurity will address the needs of our employers in those areas and provide invaluable hands-on work experience.”
Several local companies have expressed their support for the ECCA Initiative with Clark State, including the Cascade Corporation, which is located in Springfield.
“Cascade Corporation is committed to working with Clark State and other employer partners to develop and implement the cybersecurity aprenticeship program,” said Darlene Carpenter, human resource manager for Cascade Corporation in Clark County. “Cascade is pleased to support and participate in efforts to implement a program that will prepare students for employment in cybersecurity.”
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