Embedded Files
Formed as a partnership between businesses, employers, workforce development professionals and educators in Hardin County, the Career Task Force collaborates to create awareness of in-demand occupations in our area, and to create an understanding of in-demand knowledge and skills.
3E in Hardin County:
What's Your E?
The 3E's stand for Employed, Enlisted and Enrolled.
The goal is to ensure that prior to graduation, every student in Hardin County has committed to either: Employment at a local company, Enlistment in the military, or Enrollment in a 2 or 4-year college.
Each E is to be equally honored, respected, and given equal consideration.
College is not the only option!
Whatever E you choose, our community is excited for you and your bright future!
EMPLOYED
Check out going to work right out of school if . . .
You're ready to start your career
You'd like to start earning money
You want an employer to help pay for school
You want to avoid college debt while figuring out next steps
ENROLLED
Check out continuing your education if . . .
The career you want requires it
You want to expand your world-view and meet new people
You want to generate more opportunities
You would like a challenging and unique experience
ENLISTED
Check out the military right out of school if . . .
You would like to see more of the world
You would like to get your college paid for
You want to serve your country
You want to develop discipline and job skills
Contact
Karen Sorreles
Youth Development Liaison
Midwest Regional Educational Service Center
Workforce Resources
TechCred
TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy.
Many of these trainings can be completed online!
These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need.
Apprenticeships
Rhodes State’s Workforce Development and Innovation Division (WDI) can assist any company in the creation and support of both the Department of Labor (DOL) Registered and non-DOL Registered and Industry Recognized apprenticeship programs. An apprentice's Related Instruction (RI) are delivered via credit coursework that can stack into college certificates and degrees. Rhodes State College is recognized by the Department of Labor and the State of Ohio Office of Apprenticeship as a Registered Sponsor. WDI simplifies the start-up and ongoing maintenance of Apprenticeship programs.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-Job Training is a federally-funded program that helps employers hire and train individuals for long-term employment.
2025-2026 Business Advisory Council Joint Statement
Midwest Regional Educational Service Center
Business Advisory Council (BACs) serves Logan, Hardin and Shelby Counties
Primary Contact: Dr. Rick Smith - Superintendent, MRESC
Secondary Contact: Ben Vollrath – President, Logan County Chamber
Holli Underwood – President, Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance
Deb McDermott – Director, Shelby County Workforce Partnership
There has been no change in the leadership structure of the local BACs and they are on track to meet the majority of goals set for this year.
Each County has a Goal 1 - that involves exposing students to career and developing plans for pathway choices. At this point, we are about 80% through our events currently with career fairs/exploration academy, career coaches, speaker series, workforce classroom lessons, and manufacturing day to name a few items.
Each County as a Goal 2 - involves contacting students with real life skills and companies. This is about 70% complete as we have complete events like Ninja Skilled Trades Challenge, Power Pace Interviews, County Career Expo, and Honda Federal Credit Union Game of Life, etc.
Our challenge is that we are working to launch a new teacher summer academy and have just started the recruitment process for our first one.
We continue to grow and add businesses that want to impact students such as Bruns Construction, D&S Construction, IEP Plastics, Crown, Ada Technologies, Wilson Sporting Goods Factory, Madriver Trucking, Farm Credit Mid America and Coperion.
We have been fortunate to have our events on social media, Sidney Daily News, Bellefontaine Examiner, Kenton Times, Peak of Ohio.com, WPKO, Workforce Partner Newsletters, and Job and Family Service publications.
Still to come this year is 3 E signing days, Honda Academic Achievement awards, The Amazing Shake and more.
All three counties have active BACs in their areas working with the local chambers, businesses, and schools in the region to provide students, parents, and the communities a better understanding of careers, jobs, pathways and opportunities for their region.
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