As we begin another semester at Lorain County Community College, labor market demands remain a top priority, not only for us but for community college leaders across the nation. With our strategic planning process under way, shaping the future of our college’s next vision, addressing workforce shortages is more than just a consideration — it’s an imperative.
We see a growing movement and partnership between community colleges and high schools to create strong pathways that prepare students for in-demand jobs. These programs not only address immediate workforce shortages but also help students discover career options early, giving them a head start in fields with high demand. However, solving today’s workforce challenges requires more than just adapting programs; it requires deep, strategic partnerships between educators and employers.
Right here in our community, we see outstanding examples of this collaboration in action. At Midview High School, nearly 50 students are stepping into a cutting-edge micro-electromechanical systems cleanroom, learning to solder surface mount technology components onto printed circuit boards. With guidance from LCCC and industry partners, and funding in part from Ridge Tool Company and the Nord Family Foundation, these students are earning college credit and professional soldering certifications while still in high school. These skills will place them at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, a field where demand for entry-level technicians is projected to quadruple in the coming years. This program is the first of its kind in Ohio, showcasing what’s possible when schools, colleges and industry work together to meet future workforce needs.
Just 15 miles away, Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst is preparing juniors and seniors for health care careers through its Medical Health Technology program. Through partnerships with area hospitals, these students are gaining hands-on experience while earning college credit through LCCC’s College Credit Plus. By the time they graduate, they will have completed a substantial portion of the coursework necessary to prepare for health care careers, giving them a significant advantage in this critical field.
These examples demonstrate how area high schools are investing in direct-to-career education pathways, and what I find most encouraging is that these programs seamlessly align with and feed into LCCC’s own offerings. This continuity allows students to transition smoothly into advanced training, degree programs, internships and the workforce.
As more opportunities like those at Midview and Amherst are developed to address both current and projected workforce shortages, employer involvement at every level becomes even more important. High schools and community colleges are ready to scale these experiences with our industry partners who are vital to the process by helping shape curriculum, offering real-world experiences and committing to growing the next generation of talent.
This approach is the foundation of a strong regional workforce pipeline. The seamless integration of career-connected learning in both high school and community college environments ensures that students are fully prepared to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving job market. It’s not just about filling open positions, it’s about cultivating the innovative, skilled talent that will drive economic growth and strengthen our communities for years to come. ●
Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D. is President of Lorain County Community College
