Salem Opportunity Center to Expand Training Hub

SALEM, Ohio – The Sustainable Opportunity Development Center plans to expand its training programs and provide potential employees with entry-level skills that are high in demand among manufacturers. 

The expansion includes the Industrial Maintenance Readiness Program that will provide targeted entry into this field. The services include career readiness, technical training and employer placement services.

Participants who successfully complete the program will earn NIMS credentials, OSHA 10-hour cards and entry-level skills in industrial maintenance. The SOD Center is partnering with the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, which will help design and coordinate the program.

“We are very excited for the opportunity and partnerships this expansion brings to local manufacturing with targeted skills training for entry level positions to not only Salem, but also Columbiana County,” said Julie Needs, executive director of the SOD Center, in a statement.

The training center will also add a new computer lab for those who do not have access to technology. The lab will assist the SOD Center in reaching out to under-represented populations as well as employers who may not have transportable technology for employees to attend computer courses.

“Collaboration among area workforce development agencies is often key to an effectively run and successful program, and we believe the WorkAdvance model we bring to the partnership will help address the increasing demand for industrial maintenance workers in the region,” said Jessica Borza, executive director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.

Employers and participants interested in the Industrial Maintenance Readiness Program or the computer lab can call the SOD Center at 330 337 7669. 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.