Connect Ohio launches innovative ‘Digital Works’ – a sustainable job creation program bringing technology-based jobs to local communities
GALLIPOLIS – Monday, April 14, Connect Ohio opened its newest Digital Works location in Gallipolis. 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 the Jobs and Family Services (JFS) center at 848 Third Avenue, with remarks from dignitaries.
“Digital Works has a lot of upside potential — teleworking opportunities are so vast right now and the growth potential is what’s most exciting to bring to Gallipolis,” said Representative Ryan Smith, OH District 93. “Working with Commissioners, local economic development, Department of Jobs and Family Services, and Connect Ohio is what made this all happen. This is the type of program that we need to keep growing; there’s no reason we can’t proliferate it and bring more jobs to Ohio.”
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 in Gallipolis has seen remarkable success operating as a public private partnership, but the real winners are the participants in the program,” said Stu Johnson, executive director of Connect Ohio. “We want Digital Works participants to rise as high as they can go. The program is built around the idea of career advancement — we expect a large portion of participants to want to progress beyond the first entry level position that we get them.”
Digital Works is providing an avenue for vacant buildings to become job incubators and retain workers in the area. The program has already placed 16 local residents into jobs with many more expected in the coming months. Ten Digital Works locations have opened across Ohio with additional sites in the process of opening. Digital works is currently taking applicants for the program and they can register atwww.digitalworksjobs.org.