KENT STATE TRUMBULL Low-cost job training offered

The campus has provided training for 572 workers in the past two years.
THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN
CHAMPION -- Small-to-midsize manufacturing companies will have the opportunity for low-cost, noncredit job training through a program administered by Kent State University Trumbull Campus.
This marks the third year Kent State Trumbull has worked with the Ohio Board of Regents Job Challenge Training Grant Funds. The program works in conjunction with the Enterprise Ohio Network.
Margaret Croyts, director of the work force development and continuing studies center at Kent State Trumbull, said $53,000 is initially available to assist companies that require the training for their employees.
"In January, there may be an additional amount based on how much is not used or designated across the state," Croyts said.
If participating colleges and universities haven't designated most of the funds allotted to them by the beginning of next year, their amounts may be redistributed to other participating schools.
Last year, Kent State Trumbull was able to administer $100,000 for local companies. During the past two years, it has administered the grants to 572 workers at 23 companies totaling about $290,000 in training.
Eligibility
The Targeted Industries Grants are available for manufacturing companies requiring strategic training, hands-on training for technical and nontechnical skilled trade positions or assessment services to improve competitiveness, retain employees, relocate or expand operation in the state or develop new business.
Other companies may be eligible if their business depends on trained technology workers. To be eligible, at least 50 percent of those employees' tasks and responsibilities must require information technology knowledge and skills.
"Most of the companies are small manufacturers," Croyts said. "But last year, we worked with two that weren't manufacturers. They were in the service industry, but their training had to be computer-based."
A bank might qualify, for example, because about 75 percent of tellers' jobs rely on a computer.
Participating companies must pay for some of the training. Some pay for 25 percent of training costs and others foot the bill for 50 percent of training. The amount of a company's responsibility depends on its size.
Croyts said Kent State Trumbull acts as the agent, working with the company in filling out grant applications that are sent to the state. The university also provides the instructors.
More information about the grants and specific criteria is available at www.enterpriseohio.org.