Center for Workforce Development working to bring aerospace and defense jobs to Ohio, help Wright State alumni

The Center for Workforce Development is led by a team of experienced professionals who strive to bring significant growthin the region to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; prepare veterans for skilled, technical positions in the civilian workforce; and prepare thousands to fill key jobs in intelligence, aerospace & defense, and Ohio's many growth industries.

The Center is managed and administered through the Wright State Research Institute on Wright State’s campus. We recently spoke with Cassie Barlow, Ph.D., executive director, about what the Center does, and how it helps students and alumni alike.

What is the Center for Workforce Development?
The Center for Workforce Development operates The Aerospace Professional Development Center and the Regional STEM Collaborative. The APDC is focused on getting jobseekers into Aerospace and Defense jobs across our Region and State. The APDC works with jobs seekers assisting them finding the right job at the right time. The Regional STEM Collaborative is a 14-county effort in our Region of Ohio focused on encouraging more children to select STEM careers. The collaborative consists of educators, legislators, government employees and industry.

What does the Center for Workforce Development do?
We work across the Region, State and Nation to bring job seekers to Ohio to fill critical in-demand jobs within the Aerospace and Defense Industry (engineering, scientific, program management, contracting, information technology). In addition, we lead Workforce Alliances for the Aerospace and Defense Industry to continually collaborate with the Industry leaders on their workforce needs. To date, over the last two years, we have assisted 80 companies, and over 1400 job seekers.

How does the Center for Workforce Development help students?
We work with students on internship and job opportunities. We also host monthly job seminars on a variety of topics.

How does the Center for Workforce Development help alumni?
We work with alumni who are looking to relocate back to Ohio or are looking for a new position in Ohio. We are connected with over 80 companies across the region and state and are regularly in search of jobseekers to work in the Aerospace and Defense Industry. We are searching for a wide-range of skill sets, everything from engineering to financial management and human resources.

How does the Center for Workforce Development help the greater Dayton community?
The CWD is a force multiplier for the Dayton Community. There is no other Community in the State that has an asset like the CWD. In creating the CWD, the State recognized that the Aerospace and Defense Industry has a large economic impact on this region and the State (over $4.2B). In order to feed this economic engine, employers need a qualified workforce. This is where we come in!

How is the Center related to Wright State Research Institute (WSRI)?
The Center is managed and administered through the Wright State Research Institute. In addition, the Center supports the Ohio Federal Research Network. The OFRN is a State funded program to encourage Universities and Colleges across the State to pursue Federal Research Contracts and Grants. Our specific relationship has to do with developing the workforce across the State that can support this Research and Development.

What does the future hold for the Center for Workforce Development?
The Center will continue to work towards developing the next generation of workforce that in turn will attract more businesses and more jobseekers to the Region. Our goal is to continue to make our Region a great place to live, work and play!

Please check our website if you’re interested in seeing all of the hot jobs in our region or if you’d like to start working with us to find a new position. The best part is that our services are free!