Telamon to Break Ground on Ottawa County Workforce Hub

The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (OCIC) is proud to announce the groundbreaking of the new Workforce Hub for Career Advancement, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support local workforce development and provide essential resources for career growth. This milestone is made possible by a $1.25 million grant, as well as $250,000 from the Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services, both from the state’s One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, awarded to OCIC in June 2024. In addition, a $700,000 investment from the Ottawa County Commissioners will be used for essential building upgrades

After a competitive five-month bidding process, Telamon Construction emerged with the winning bid for the project. Construction is slated to begin during the first full week of April. The project includes a comprehensive remodel of the former gymnasium into a state-of-the-art lab and classroom space for the Skilled Trades Academy, along with the installation of new windows, updated lighting, an improved HVAC system, and a building-wide facelift. Additionally, a new classroom lab for the new Hospitality & Tourism Academy, launching Fall 2025, will be added, along with a modern fire suppression system. These upgrades will bring the building up to code and breathe new life into the facility, ensuring its continued usefulness for years to come.

Once completed, the Workforce Hub will provide a variety of adult training programs designed to enhance skills, foster professional growth, and prepare individuals for in-demand careers.

“Vanguard has played a crucial role from the beginning, with their $600k investment in new equipment,” stated Katherine Adams, Director of Workforce Innovation for OCIC. “Our next priority is to roll out reskilling programs for the adult workforce, which will help tackle transportation challenges and better meet the needs of our local employers. As part of this effort, we’re excited to collaborate with Vanguard on developing adult training programs that provide accessible, top-quality learning opportunities, empowering individuals and enhancing the skills of our workforce.”

About Telamon Construction

Telamon specializes in various sectors such as commercial, industrial, healthcare, and education, and offers services including general contracting, construction management, and design-build. For more information, visit www.telamonconstruction.com.

About the Workforce Hub

The Ottawa County Workforce Hub for Career Advancement is a workforce initiative that stems from the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council. The Hub equips students with direct pathways to secure, high-paying careers, enhancing the local workforce and boosting the regional economy. The Ottawa County Business Advisory Council is administered by the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation. For more information, visit www.ocic.org/hub.