Seventeen sessions in, and WorkAdvance Findlay has truly found its rhythm. What started as an innovative workforce training model in Hancock County has become a well-oiled machine—a proven path to meaningful employment, second chances, and personal growth.
Each new cohort builds on lessons learned from the last, refining our approach and creating a stronger, more focused experience for participants. The WorkAdvance team has worked hard to make sure this program feels more like a professional workplace than a classroom. Attendance, accountability, and communication are emphasized from day one. As instructor Wil Schroeder, who has guided nearly every class since our beginning, often reminds participants, showing up is half the battle.
In recent months, we’ve intentionally run smaller, more focused cohorts, reiterating that attendance is as critical as it would be in a job setting. For those who cannot fully commit to the two-week schedule, we encourage them to wait until they can give 100 percent. That expectation has created cohorts filled with dedicated, motivated individuals who are fully invested in their own growth.
Smaller classes also mean more personalized learning. Participants benefit from extra one-on-one time with instructors, more interactive discussions, and hands-on practice that connects directly to workplace skills. From Tooling-U manufacturing modules to soft-skills development and resume building, every piece of the curriculum prepares participants not just to find a job, but to keep it and grow from it.
Building on Success
This approach is paying off. Recent cohorts have achieved record participation, perfect attendance despite weather challenges, and an impressive number of graduates earning their Certified Manufacturing Associate credentials. Our partnerships with organizations like Owens Community College and the Financial Opportunity Center of Habitat for Humanity ensure that each participant has ongoing support after graduation—from job placement assistance to financial coaching and continued career guidance.
As we celebrate Cohort 17, we are reminded of the incredible individuals who make up this program. Each graduate represents persistence, progress, and potential. Graduation day is not the finish line—it’s the first next step in a journey toward a good job, a better future, and a stronger community.
What’s Next
We are proud of this most recent class and excited for what’s ahead. The next WorkAdvance cohort begins Monday, October 20 at Owens Community College Findlay Campus, and applications are open now.
If you’re ready to commit to your future and put in the work, this could be your moment to start your own transformation.
Learn more and apply at workadvancefindlay.org
