Building Character.
Recognizing Excellence.
Strengthening Our Community.
TIMELINE
June 2014
Business Advisory Council Established
Following a Manufacturing Bus Tour that brought business and education leaders together, the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council (BAC) was formed. This partnership led to the annual Career Showcase, CHOOSE Program (formerly CEO Internship), Teacher Boot Camps, and other workforce initiatives.
Dec. 2017
Expanding Career Awareness
The Business Advisory Council was awarded $128,500 from the Ohio Department of Education to develop a targeted approach to attract talent back to Ottawa County and better meet the employment needs of local businesses.
Aug. 2019
Skilled Trades Academy Launches
The Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy (STA) was created, with classes originally held at the Ottawa County Resource Center in Oak Harbor. On August 26, 2019, an open house welcomed 16 high school seniors selected to participate in the first year of the academy.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced students to transition to at-home learning and created significant challenges for hands-on workforce training programs. A graduation was not held.
July 2020
New Partnership with Northwest State Commmunity College
Following the departure of former STA instructor Jim Lippert, conversations began with Northwest State Community College about the future of the program. Bill Hutchisson became the new Skilled Trades Academy instructor.
An open house was held on September 17, 2020, for 11 high school seniors selected for the academy’s second year. The program incorporated virtual classroom instruction through Northwest State Community College’s Core Manufacturing and Logistics Skills (CMLS) curriculum.
May 2021
First STA Graduation & Healthcare Program Begins
In May 2021, 10 high school seniors graduated from the inaugural class of the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy.
That same year, the STNA Program, later renamed the Healthcare Careers Academy, was established to prepare students for high-demand regional healthcare careers, including State Tested Nurse Aide opportunities. Healthcare classes were held at the former Riverview School building in Oak Harbor.
Aug. 2022
Academy Teams Expand
Lindsy Briggs and Nicole Collins joined the STNA Program as instructors.
Nick Hendrickson joined Bill Hutchisson as a second instructor for the Skilled Trades Academy.
Katherine Adams joined OCIC, strengthening the organization’s workforce development capacity. Katherine transitions into the role of Workforce Manager, overseeing the STNA and Skilled Trades Academy programs in January 2023.
May 2023
Growing Graduating Classes
On May 18, 2023, 26 area students graduated from the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy and Ottawa County STNA Program.
The BAC and partners also launched Career Signing Day, recognizing graduating students who were continuing their education or entering directly into the workforce.
Aug. 2023
Remembering Bill Hutchisson
STA instructor Bill Hutchisson unexpectedly passed away.
Following his passing, Nick Hendrickson became the lead Northwest State Community College instructor for the Skilled Trades Academy, helping continue the program Bill had worked to build.
June 2024
Major Investment for Workforce Hub
The Ohio State Senate allocated $700 million through SB 288 to support statewide initiatives via the one-time Strategic Community Investments fund. Among the projects, $1.5 million was secured for the expansion of the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy and Healthcare Careers Academy. This funding will support the remodel of the old Riverview School building and the purchase of program equipment to enhance these local workforce initiatives. Thus becoming the new Ottawa County Workforce Hub for Career Advancement.
July 2024
New Vanguard Partnership & Hospitality Academy Announced
A new partnership with Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers began, bringing on Nick Hendrickson and welcoming Melinda Hernandez as the new Healthcare Careers Academy instructor.
Plans were announced for a Hospitality & Tourism Academy, scheduled to launch in fall 2025. The curriculum was designed to introduce students to careers and skills in areas such as Operations management, Sales and marketing, Customer service Hospitality and tourism operations.
Aug. 2024
OCIC Moves Offices
OCIC relocated its offices to the former Riverview School building in Oak Harbor, further establishing the site as the future home of the Ottawa County Workforce Hub.
April 2025
Workforce Hub Construction Begins
Major construction and renovation work began with Telamon at the former Riverview School to transform the facility into the Ottawa County Workforce Hub.
June 2025
Healthcare Program Renamed
The former STNA Program was officially renamed the Healthcare Careers Academy, reflecting a broader focus on healthcare career pathways and industry-recognized training.
Aug. 2025
Workforce Hub Ribbon Cutting & Hospitality Academy Launches
A ribbon cutting celebration was held for the new Ottawa County Workforce Hub for Career Advancement on Monday, August 18. The event welcomed community partners and officials, who toured the newly renovated facility.
The Hospitality & Tourism Academy officially began, becoming the Workforce Hub’s third career academy and expanding student exposure to Ottawa County’s important hospitality, tourism, retail and service industries. Erin Wicks joined the team as the new program instructor.
Oct. 2025
Workforce Hub Construction Completed
Construction at the former Riverview School was completed, creating a permanent space for OCIC offices, workforce programs, industry training and student career development.
May 2026
Graduating Students of 3 Academies
A total of 37 students graduated from the Skilled Trades, Healthcare Careers, and Hospitality & Tourism academies, marking another year of growth for the Ottawa County Workforce Hub.
July 2026
New Academy Instructors Welcomed
The Workforce Hub welcomed Ron Clark as the new Skilled Trades Academy instructor and Meghan Knieriem as the new Hospitality & Tourism Academy instructor.
What began in 2014 as a partnership between local businesses and educators has grown into a comprehensive workforce development system connecting students, schools, businesses, training providers and community partners.
From the Career Showcase, CHOOSE and Teacher Boot Camps to the development of the Skilled Trades, Healthcare Careers, Hospitality & Tourism and Advanced Air Mobility academies, the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council and Workforce Hub continue to evolve around one central goal: helping students discover local career opportunities while building the skilled workforce Ottawa County businesses need for the future.
Shop the Hub Store!
A variety of merchandise is available, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, tumblers, and more, each proudly featuring the Skilled Trades Academy, Healthcare Careers Academy and Hospitality & Tourism Academy. Proceeds from merchandise sales help support graduation expenses for each program.
Investing Today. Building Tomorrow.
Community Investment
of more than $3 million through private donors, fundraisers, ISP & IRC grants, state funding, CTC partnership grants and community foundation support, which has led to:
118 Student
Graduates
81 Employed +
21 Post-Secondary
8,119 Work-Based Learning Hours
713 Industry Recognized Credentials
8200 W. State Route 163
Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449
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