Career Resources
There isn’t a single pathway to success. Below, you will find free or low-cost community resources, vetted training programs, and more information on how to start your path toward an in-demand career.
Skills2Careers is an innovative “job search” platform serving Southwest Ohio that matches your existing skill set with the skills needed by employers. By answering a brief survey, you can be matched with current employment opportunities based on your skills, ensuring that you and potential employers are speaking the same language.
Mynextmove.org is an excellent free tool for browsing jobs. For each career, it lists the job outlook, salary range, education requirements, where to find local training programs, and open positions in your area. It also has a free online service that will match you to potential careers based on your interests.
OhioMeansJobs.com is a comprehensive resource for students and jobseekers throughout Ohio. It includes interest surveys, information on in-demand careers, links to training resources, and much more.
Anyone aged 14 and above can also access educational workshops, career coaching and job leads in “one-stop” Ohio Means Jobs Centers located across the state. To find the location serving your area Services are free for those who qualify and include:
- Preparation and testing for the High School Equivalent (e.g., GED)
- Funding career technical training for skills that are in demand
- Career counseling, resume development, job readiness training, skills assessment
- Recruitment of talent for businesses that are hiring
- Special services for those aged 14-24
Career technical centers train students in skills that prepare them for certain industries, such as construction trades, software development, computer programming, cosmetology, and more. There is a center that serves every public high school community in Ohio, and classes are available to high schoolers for free or low-cost. Adult education is also offered (fees may apply). Find the career technical center that serves your school district.
Ohio Means Jobs, Ohio Department of Education, and Ohio Department of Higher Education provide sample career pathways that show how you can get to the job you want. The following are a few pathways that they have outlined:
- Dental Assistant
- Information Technology (includes Network Administration)
- Health Science (includes Licensed Practical Nurse)
- Law & Public Safety (include Emergency Medical Technician)
- Construction Technologies (includes Electrical)
- Marketing (includes Customer Service Representative)
- Automotive Technology
- Electro-Mechanical Engineer
- Electrician Apprentice
- Insurance Claims Representative
- Computer User Support Specialist
- Manufacturing Technologies
Find more career pathways from the Ohio Department of Education. Some pathways can begin as early as 7th grade.
Apprenticeship programs provide an opportunity for individuals to learn and earn. These are on-the-job training programs in various in-demand industries such as pipe-fitting, carpentry, and electrical work. Below are resources for finding an apprenticeship:
ACT Ohio (Affiliated Construction Trades)
The Ohio Department of Higher Education put together an interactive map of all Ohio public universities, branch campuses, community colleges, and career technical centers, so you can see what institutions are in your neighborhood.
Community colleges can offer a less expensive way to earn certificates and degrees that qualify you for jobs you might want. Southwest Ohio community colleges offer many different programs in various in-demand industries.
If you have more resources to share, please contact jdennison@cetconnect.org.