Ashland University receives funding from Ohio Department of Development and Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation

Ashland University has received $499,650 from the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) through the Ohio Department of Development and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. The funding will expand the opportunities the university can offer to Ohio residents to receive no-cost workforce training in telecommunications and broadband.

According to an article on Ashland University’s website, Shawn Orr, Ph.D., who serves as the dean of eAshland, was quoted as saying of the funding, “Receiving this funding is a meaningful investment in Ashland University’s mission and in the future of our region’s workforce. This support allows AU to expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce development initiatives across campus and create more pathways for students to gain the skills, experiences and credentials that employers need. We are grateful for this partnership and its role in helping AU prepare graduates to lead, serve and succeed in an evolving economy.”

Thanks to the funding, the university’s Telego Center for Innovation in Workforce and Education will offer increased access to short-term, industry-recognized credentials like the 5G Readiness curriculum from the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) and the newly-launched OpTIC Certified Fiber Splicer training from the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA). These training opportunities will prepare Ohio residents to enter into high-demand and high-paying jobs that will support the state’s infrastructure needs and support industries like healthcare, education, utilities, construction, logistics, and technology.

The 5G and Fiber OpTIC certification courses will be offered at no cost to individuals who are eligible for IMAP funding. The programs will be offered in a hybrid format.

Tim House, the chief operating officer of WIA, said, “Ashland University has established itself as a leader in broadband workforce development in Ohio, helping expand access to industry-recognized training that prepares learners for careers building and maintaining the communications networks that power our economy. Through its successful delivery of WIA’s 5G Readiness curriculum, Ashland has demonstrated how higher education and industry can work together to address workforce needs. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Ashland University as we work together to expand access to these critical skills and create more opportunities for Ohioans to earn valuable credentials and pursue careers in the broadband and wireless infrastructure industry.”

Deborah Kish, vice president of research and workforce development at the Fiber Broadband Association, said, “FBA is thrilled that Ashland University has adopted the OpTIC Path Fiber Broadband Microcredential System for its IMAP program. Students will gain valuable fiber broadband knowledge and industry-aligned skills that can help them launch new careers or advance existing ones in one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.”

For more information about Ashland University, visit the school’s website.