Download Ohio IT Now podcast - Conversation with Gary Lamber of Zanesville
With the announcement of Ford's intention to close numerous plants and lay off more Ohio auto workers in the next couple of years, we are reminded that Ohio is in critical need of plans and facilities to re-train its workforce - to make people more flexible and better able to adapt to the ever-shifting industry base and job market. While statewide policy-makers ponder next steps - some local community organizations are already moving ahead to provide extended experience and education for school children - and proven certification programs - like the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) - for those already in the workforce and needing new options to insure job viability and security. This audio interview is with Gary Lambert, head of the The Appalachian Center for Collaborative and Engaged
Learning (ACCEL) in Zanesville. Gary has been building creative programs for technology training, and is about to join OITC's project promoting the ICDL. ACCEL is also a member of the Ohio Community Computing Network, an organization that facilities community-based organizations working with technology training and education. (This podcast is 12:45 long.)
Large-scale statewide programs, combined with grass-roots efforts reaching into the smallest communities - working together hold the promise for higher skill levels for all Ohio workers, and stronger competitiveness for the state's economic growth.
(-- originally posted by Rich Bowers, Coordinator, Ohio IT Clearinghouse)