Ohio Expands Students' Ability to Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials
The 49 additional credentials can guide career-based program development and help students prepare for Ohio's in-demand jobs and careers, according to the state Department of Education.
High school students in Ohio "now have 49 more industry-recognized credentials at their fingertips," the state's Department of Education announced July 13, saying the input of companies and industries throughout the state was involved in the added credentials to guide career-based program development and help students prepare for Ohio's in-demand jobs and careers.
"We owe a big thanks to Ohio's businesses for their input on these credentials. This invaluable information is helping show students all the great opportunities for their future success," said Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction. "With these new credentials, students can create road maps to a career and even to higher education opportunities."
A broad list of credentials is available in industries such as education, health care, manufacturing, public safety, transportation, and hospitality. For example, under construction, there are EPA refrigeration service engineer and refrigerant recovery certifications, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certifications, forklift operator certification, OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour, and CPR/first aid certification available. There are EMT, firefighter, HAZWOPER technician, private security, and emergency medical dispatch certifications under the law and public safety heading.
"ODE's innovation to allow HUMTOWN PRODUCTS to have insight and input to these new credentials is revolutionary in connecting education to business," said Mark Lamoncha, president and CEO of HUMTOWN PRODUCTS. "Without them, we are just hiring people that show up to work at a job. These credentials align the graduates with skills that they can perform as a professional in a career."
The department says interested students and families should contact their local school districts about the opportunity to earn a credential and be job ready upon graduation. High school seniors can earn some of the credentials in one year through the Senior Only Credential Program.