Walsh University’s Nationally-Recognized Skilled Technical Workforce Training Program Makes a Significant Impact for Another Ohio Business
Walsh University and MAC Trailer Enterprises, Inc., celebrated the successful completion of a workforce development training program yesterday, October 11, which has resulted in significant improvements to MAC Trailer's operational processes. The event, held at MAC Trailer, recognized a cohort of 15 MAC Trailer employees who completed credentials through the Walsh University Skilled Technical Workforce Program, a program funded through Ohio’s TechCred initiative. The employees used their newly acquired skills to successfully integrate technology to upgrade and automate elements of their manufacturing and safety inspection processes. Representative Jon Cross from Ohio House District 83, who led the priority legislation (House Bill 2) that created the TechCred Ohio was on hand to congratulate the two organizations for a job well done. Additionally, Lt. Governor Jon Husted sent a representative from his office to present both organizations with a proclamation.
“This is a perfect example of how the TechCred Program was envisioned to work; a strong partnership between academia and the public and private sectors that would strengthen the skills of our Ohio workforce and stimulate innovation within Ohio business,” said Representative Cross. “This will continue to advance our mission to attract and retain companies to our great state and provide good, high-paying jobs to our residents. We congratulate MAC Trailer and Walsh University on these remarkable accomplishments and hope this will inform other businesses about the opportunity within the TechCred Program to help them to invest in high quality training for their employees.”
Walsh’s Skilled Technical Workforce (STWF) Program, which was recently recognized by the National Science Board for innovations in workforce development and innovation is helping Northeast Ohio companies, including MAC Trailer, explore digital connectivity and use technology to improve efficiency. To date, over 800 credentials have been issued through the program in topics including Microsoft Office, Data Analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). The cost of the training is covered by Ohio’s TechCred Program, an initiative that reimburses companies for tuition dollars invested in training Ohio residents in technology skills to promote a skilled workforce and fulfill in-demand jobs across Ohio.
MAC Trailer, one of the largest manufacturers of steel and aluminum trailers in the country, invited Walsh University and other distinguished guests to their training facility to celebrate the successful completion of the training. Guests also toured the facilities to view first-hand how the skills learned were used to integrate new processes to create substantial new company efficiencies.
“We have wanted to do something like this for years,” said Corporate Vice President for MAC Trailer Dennis Postiy. “This training, provided by Walsh University and funded through TechCred, was the right combination that we needed to finally make it happen. It is important to celebrate this milestone and acknowledge the efforts of everyone in this collaborative effort. We renew our commitment to invest in the growth and education of our employees and to technological excellence in manufacturing. Innovation requires new skills in information technology, and we are grateful to the Walsh team and the TechCred Program which catalyzed these advances.”
Among the additional guests in attendance were Representative Scott Oeslager from District 48, Rick Baxter, President of the Alliance Area Development, Joe Mazzola, City of Alliance Planning and Development, and local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development officials.
Attendees from Walsh included Dr. Rachel Hosler, Chief of Staff, Dr. Mike Dunphy, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dan Passerini, Executive Director of Cross-Enterprise Operations, Teresa Fox, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, and Attorney Todd Lensman, one of the business leaders that partnered with Walsh to develop the STWF Program and who was the lead instructor for the MAC Trailer cohort.
“Walsh University remains committed to being a resource to our community and adapting to the needs of our local businesses by providing them with practical solutions and innovative educational courses and programs to strengthen our workforce”, said Dr. Passerini, who spearheaded the STWF Program. “I am grateful to Todd Lensman and our industry partners who have worked so hard alongside our faculty to create an experience in the education space that is unique to Walsh and has had a significant positive impact on dozens of companies across Ohio. I am also grateful to Representative Cross, Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted for their leadership and foresight to help companies invest in our workforce through the TechCred Program.”
For more information, about Walsh University’s STWF Program and the Tech Cred tuition grant program, contact Dr. Dan Passerini at dpasserini@walsh.edu or 330-244-4746.
