Rep. Ritter Applauds Funding for Workforce Training Equipment at Hocking College

State Representative Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) this week announced that the Ohio Controlling Board approved funding to be used for workforce training equipment at Hocking College.

The Controlling Board approved the release of capital funds in the amount of $86,547.02, including a waiver of competitive selection in the amount of $57,026.08, for the Workforce Based Training & Equipment Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) program.

According to documents provided at the meeting, this purchase expands and modernizes instructional capacity within Hocking College's Advanced Manufacturing and Drone Operations programs by providing industry-aligned automation training systems and a high-performance computer lab. The equipment will support hands-on training in electrical controls, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), automation, drone operations, GPS/GIS mapping, Computer-aided design (CAD), and manufacturing simulation software.

"It's important we prepare our students for regional technician jobs and the advanced manufacturing industry - these are the jobs of the future," said Rep. Ritter. "I'm glad to see funding dedicated through the RAPIDS program to ensure Hocking College has the right kind of training equipment to upskill students so they can be successful."