Lorain County JVS is leading a bold initiative to unify and accelerate work-based learning across Lorain County, creating a strategic approach that equips students with real-world experiences while addressing critical talent gaps in Ohio's workforce. This program, developed in collaboration with regional educational and business partners, represents a transformative step in preparing students for career success and driving economic growth across Northeast Ohio.
A Collaborative, County-Wide Vision for Workforce Development
The initiative is designed to support the 14 school districts within Lorain County: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, Keystone, Lorain City Schools, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield/Sheffield Lake, and Wellington. By working with
Lorain County Community College,
Cuyahoga Community College, Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership, Lorain County ESC,
Manufacturing Works, and the
Greater Cleveland Partnership, Lorain County JVS is creating customized work-based learning opportunities tailored to the needs of students and local employers.
This strategy leverages key resources such as College Credit Plus, articulated credits (C-TAGs), and pre-apprenticeship approval through
ApprenticeOhio, ensuring students have seamless pathways to post-secondary education, certifications, and on-the-job training.
Addressing Ohio’s Workforce Challenges
The Lorain County JVS work-based learning initiative directly addresses these challenges by aligning student preparation with employer needs. This unified approach not only benefits students but also ensures a robust talent pipeline to sustain Ohio’s economic momentum.
Voices of Leadership
Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent of Lorain County JVS, emphasized the program’s transformative impact on education and workforce development:
"This initiative represents a monumental shift in how we prepare students for their future careers. By uniting our schools, businesses, and community colleges, we’re building a talent pipeline that strengthens our regional economy and equips students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market."
"Lorain County Community College and Lorain County JVS have a long-standing tradition of working together to create opportunities for high school students to explore and gain career skills. Expanding this partnership to include work-based learning and pre-apprenticeships will deepen this work and play a crucial role in addressing the talent needs of Northeast Ohio."
Dr. Naima Lusane, Executive Director, College & Career Readiness, and Chief Administrator, Northeast Ohio College Tech Prep Regional Center at Cuyahoga Community College had this to say:
"Work-Based Learning (WBL) is essential in both CTE and non-CTE settings as it bridges the gap between classroom education and practical, real-world application. It empowers students to explore career pathways, build transferable skills, and gain valuable industry insights. Collaboration across the ecosystem—between educators, businesses, and community organizations—is vital to creating equitable and impactful opportunities. By working together, we can ensure all students are equipped to succeed in the evolving workforce while addressing the critical talent gaps in our economy.
Building a Brighter Future
As Ohio schools are now measured on work-based learning outcomes, Lorain County JVS’s initiative positions the region at the forefront of career-readiness and workforce development. By integrating education with real-world experiences, this program ensures students are equipped with the tools to succeed in their chosen career pathways—whether through post-secondary education, pre-apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce.
This initiative exemplifies Lorain County JVS’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in preparing students for the future. Together, with its partners and school districts, Lorain County JVS is not just fueling the workforce of tomorrow but redefining what career readiness looks like today.