Urban League and Franklin County Launch Trades Academy to Boost Local Workforce

In a move aimed at strengthening the local workforce, the Columbus Urban League (Columbus, OH) has teamed up with the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services to open the gates of opportunity for Franklin County residents seeking careers in skilled trades. The Franklin County Trades Academy, a recently launched initiative, will serve as a bridge, connecting individuals to various in-demand jobs. Funded by a $1.2 million investment from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the program hopes to enroll at least 85 participants over the next year, as reported by Franklin County's official site.

Focused on more than just job training, the program is crafted to foster economic prosperity. "This is about more than job training. It's about creating economic opportunity. We're not just helping people survive; we're investing in their ability to thrive. Programs like this open doors to careers, wages, and futures. That's the kind of bold action our residents deserve," Franklin County Board President, Commissioner Erica C. Crawley, was quoted as saying on Franklin County's website. Despite many Franklin County residents in need of skilled workers, trades like bricklaying, roofing, and ironworking have seen a shortage, as Commissioner John O'Grady highlighted the gap.

The Franklin County Trades Academy will offer a seven-week program that combines hands-on technical training with essential career development resources. Participants will be given the tools to successfully complete their training while managing familial responsibilities, an aspect imperative for those looking to change their lives through work. They will also benefit from the expertise of industry professionals and instructors at Columbus State Community College.

"The Franklin County Trades Academy pairs thoughtful innovation with real-world experience," Columbus Urban League President and CEO Stephanie Hightower told the Franklin County news release. Growing our economy with new wages and wealth, it fixes leaks in the talent pipeline and contributes to our ability to build a more robust infrastructure for growth in a timely manner.

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