There’s a home for YOU in modern manufacturing.
Complete our WorkAdvance manufacturing bootcamp and be eligible for a position with a local employer.
JOB SEEKERS
Step 1: Consider Eligibility
Must be at least 18 years of age, unless enrolled in one of Ohio’s career tech programs (Millstream Career Center, Penta Career Center, Vanguard/Sentinel, etc.).
No experience in manufacturing is necessary. We hope to work with those who never considered manufacturing!
Step 3: Apply to Participate
Ready to start your career in manufacturing? We hope so!
We want to get to know you first during a casual conversation. Let’s meet at our offices on Owens Community College’s Findlay campus or connect over the phone. Jen Galbraith, our Career Coach, can schedule time to get to know you and better understand your interest in this program.
Step 5: Interview for a Job
Everyone who completes the two-week training is eligible to interview for a position with one of Hancock County’s partnering manufacturers. We’ll help you arrange interviews and select the employer that may be the best fit for your goals, skills, schedule, and expectations.
Step 7: Keep Progressing
Do not let anything stop you from being employed in manufacturing. As long as you stay employed with a Hancock County manufacturer, you get a career coach for one year (365 days)! This career coach will help you with services needed for employment and/or keep you progressing in your roles and responsibilities at work.
Step 2: Schedule a Conversation
We are ready to meet with you when your schedule allows. Reach out to jen.galbraith@habitatfindlay.org to schedule a one-on-one meeting to better understand this program’s purpose and requirements.
Step 4: Train with the Best
Once you are accepted into our bootcamp, Hancock County’s best instructors will prepare you for your first manufacturing job. For two consecutive weeks (Monday through Friday, 40 hours both weeks), you will learn skills that make you a high-quality candidate for our local manufacturers. Learn more about the training content here.
Step 6: Start Employment
Join thousands of people working for Hancock County’s manufacturers. Manufacturing is here to stay. These jobs offer pay and benefits that you can support yourself and/or a family on. Our partnering companies want you to be successful at work and to build a solid career with them. Start employment and show off your fresh manufacturing skills and knowledge.
All the Benefits.
This two-week training is at no cost to you!
We’re focused on your career advancement, not just placement. Want to keep earning more money and change positions? We can help you accomplish those goals through the program and with the help of your career coach.
Additionally, successful graduates receive their own Chromebook + a work box (work supplies, apparel). We even help with transportation, snacks, and lunch throughout the training.
FAQs
How often are the 2-week trainings?
Trainings occur at least once every six weeks. We will announce upcoming trainings on our social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X).
Easily find our registration link and when the next session begins by visiting our Facebook page.
Why should I participate?
WorkAdvance is proven to get individuals hired and advanced quicker in their manufacturing careers. Taking the initiative to participate shows you are eager to be employed and that you are willing to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
Do I get paid to attend the 2-week training?
Individuals do not receive cash or cash equivalents from participating in the training. However, participants do receive access to an online store where they can order up to $500 of free work apparel, equipment, and learning tools.
Will there be requirements for me to participate?
Our goal is to welcome you to the program, not keep you out. We do, however, have certain eligibility criteria we must consider. We also need to consider the hiring requirements employers expect of participants (e.g., drug screenings, legal history, etc.)
What is a career coach?
Career coaches help you address employment barriers and/or design an action plan that take you where you want to be with your career. Career coaches are not limited by employer-employee policies and laws that may keep you from getting the assistance you need.
How long and often do I get my career coach?
The amount of time you want to meet with your career coach is up to you. We suggest meeting at least weekly when you first complete the program. You can then transition to a different frequency, if interested. Your career coach is available for 365 days, beginning on the first day of classes.