Connect Ohio launches innovative ‘Digital Works’ – a sustainable job creation program bringing technology-based jobs to local communities
WOODSFIELD – Thursday, December 19, Connect Ohio held the grand opening of its newest Digital Works location in Woodsfield. Digital Works is a technology skills training program aimed at providing a link between twenty-first century workforce opportunities and community revitalization. The program provides mentoring and training to workers seeking employment and places them in quality teleworking jobs. The event was held at the Digital Works center located in Woodsfield at 47084 Black Walnut Parkway, with remarks from dignitaries.
“The trend towards a virtual workplace is one that I anticipate will continue, especially in the customer service industry,” said Jason Hamman, Director of Monroe County Economic Development. “The concept allows individuals in lesser populated rural areas to acquire the skills and job opportunities offered in this industry that would otherwise likely be located in urban areas that have larger workforce populations. The Digital Works grand opening is a good example of how our economic development efforts are focused on quickly responding to the needs of businesses considering coming to Monroe County.”
Using a digital learning model, the Digital Works program trains, places, and mentors high-quality business process candidates and locates co-working centers in rural America settings where job demand is high, few employers exist, and the cost of living is the lowest. At the end of training the workers are guaranteed placement in a position that matches their skills and interest.
“Digital Works has seen remarkable success and we’ve been planning to expand this program in Woodsfield since July, allowing us to connect even more people to jobs,” said Stu Johnson, Executive Director of Connect Ohio. “The Digital Works sites already up and running have helped to train participants and secure employment in as little as three week. We’re hoping to recreate this model in Woodsfield by using Digital Works as a way to assist the many that are out of work.”
Digital Works is providing an avenue for vacant buildings to become job incubators and retain workers in the area. Nine Digital Works locations have opened across Ohio with additional sites in the process of opening. Currently 45 positions have been offered to participants of the Digital Works training program since launching the program in the summer.
“This program helps Ohioans upgrade their computer skills and trains them for new positions,” Jason Wilson, Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia. “A skilled workforce is an important part of keeping our region competitive in today’s economy.”
Digital works is currently taking applicants for the program and they can register at www.digitalworksjobs.org.
# # #
About Connect Ohio: Connect Ohio, a division of Connected Nation, is a leading technology organization committed to bringing affordable, high-speed Internet and broadband-enabled resources to all Ohioans. Connect Ohio effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and works to improve technology access, adoption, and use through its programs. Connect Ohio is a nonprofit, technology-neutral public-private partnership. For more information about what Connect Ohio is doing to accelerate technology in Ohio’s communities, visithttp://www.connectohio.org. Follow Connect Ohio on Facebook and Twitter.