Nothing illustrates the vibrance and strength of a community like the jobs and workforce within it. The Miami Valley is chock full of hard-working people with strong work ethics. However, this region has certainly been hit hard by the recession and economic downturn.

Now with the economy returning, jobs being created and a reinvigorated workforce, some are still left maneuvering for a new career path.
Fortunately, there are opportunities and resources out there for the unemployed and underemployed who are looking to make a change.
The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) offers more than 50 career technical programs for high school juniors and seniors as well as lifelong learning opportunities for adult students in the Adult Education programs.

“Working with local business and industry partners, MVCTC is helping to attract and create jobs for our region’s economic growth,” said Amy Leedy, adult education supervisor for MVCTC.

Finding where that job growth is may require a crystal ball, but there are areas that are poised for growth.
Ron Bolender, public information officer for Greene County Career Center, said many of the hot careers don’t even require a four-year college degree, rather just some kind of technical training.

“Jobs in the health care industry like medical assistants, nurse assistants and medical office workers can always be found in the help-wanted section of the paper and online,” Bolender said. “There will always be a demand for certain careers.”
With Wright-Patterson Air Force Base playing an integral role in the area’s economy, Bolender said there will continue to be technical and educational jobs with contractors tied to the base.

Job outsourcing is a hot-button issue. While it’s true some jobs have moved overseas, other jobs simply cannot be outsourced while others are being regenerated here locally.

“There will always be a local demand for certain careers,” Bolender said. “Outsourcing has been a controversial subject for a number of years, but there are a number of jobs that cannot be sent overseas. Jobs in service areas like HVAC repair, welding, automotive repair, construction and most of the health care industry cannot be outsourced. These jobs will always be there for individuals with the proper education and work ethic.”
Leedy said at MVCTC they try to train and emphasize education in occupations that require skills that will not likely be exported.

“There is anticipated growth in healthcare and trade areas that include precision machining, plumbing, heavy equipment operator, electrical and HVAC,” she said.
In 2009, the growth in adult education programs brought on additional expansion at MVCTC with the development of the Hoke Road campus.

“The new addition allowed MVCTC to increase the healthcare programs offered, meeting the demands of the 21st-century work force and helping adults get the training they need for future success,” Leedy said.

So, as local facilities expand, more educational opportunities present themselves. This allows for a positive movement of lifelong learning within the community.
“The key today is to have an ongoing attitude of learning and acquiring new skills,” Leedy said.

For more information about these programs, visit MVCTC.com or www.greeneccc.com.