WorkAdvance Celebrates One Year of Success
WorkAdvance Findlay’s Impact on Hancock County
The WorkAdvance job training program in Hancock County recently marked a significant milestone—its one-year anniversary. The celebration honored the latest cohort of graduates and reflected on the program’s continued success in empowering individuals through career-building opportunities in advanced manufacturing. Over the past year, WorkAdvance has demonstrated how transformative specific job skill training can be, especially for under-represented populations, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local organizations and educators.
The WorkAdvance initiative is made possible by Raise the Bar of Hancock County, which spearheaded its launch for local residents. Key support is provided by Owens Community College, the Findlay/Hancock County Habitat for Humanity Financial Opportunity Center, and The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. The program, hosted at Owens’ Findlay-area campus, has now seen more than 60 individuals graduate since its inception in August 2023.
Empowering the Workforce, One Graduate at a Time
The heart of WorkAdvance lies in its ability to uplift those who often face significant barriers to employment. Many of these individuals already possess the foundational skills sought by local manufacturers. What they need is focused guidance to bridge the gap between their potential and meaningful employment opportunities within our community.
Tricia Valasek, executive director of Raise the Bar, explains, the program offers more than just technical skills. “It’s a lifetime of change. It’s not just about getting the job. It’s about, how do I interact with others and be the best version of myself—that’s what we’re teaching in this program.”
Participants go through an intensive two-week training process, designed to give them the tools to succeed in today’s competitive job market. The curriculum includes:
30 hours of employability training from the Financial Opportunity Center
20 hours of a math refresher from Owens Community College
30 hours of foundational manufacturing training
Graduates leave the program equipped not only with practical skills but with confidence, determination, and hope for the future.
Results That Speak Volumes
Since its launch, 34 graduates have secured employment with local employers, earning an average hourly wage of $17.34. These success stories underscore the value of targeted training programs like WorkAdvance, which match local job seekers with real opportunities in the community.
One of those success stories is Larry Braden, who graduated in August 2024. Larry, who will be starting a job with Findlay City Schools, reflects on how the program has changed his life. “It helped me with where I’m at, which is in the process of getting work,” Braden shared. “I can start saving for an apartment. … If everything works out with the job I’m getting, I can make it into a career.”
To ensure graduates have the resources they need to succeed, WorkAdvance offers several tangible benefits:
A free Chromebook to assist with job applications and online resources
A $500 voucher for work apparel, safety gear, and other essentials
These tools not only boost participants' confidence but also help ensure they are fully prepared to step into the workforce and succeed.
A Community Effort, A Community Benefit
The success of WorkAdvance is the result of a dedicated team of local organizations working together to address the needs of Hancock County’s workforce. By investing in under-represented populations and providing meaningful job training, WorkAdvance is creating a more inclusive and robust local economy.
As WorkAdvance enters its second year, the program’s impact continues to grow, with graduates achieving long-term career success and becoming advocates for the next wave of participants. At the recent graduation celebration, past graduates returned to celebrate their achievements and share their ongoing journeys—further proof of how the program is fostering a community of support and shared progress.
With a proven track record of success, WorkAdvance is more than just a job training program; it’s a catalyst for lasting change in the lives of individuals and the local economy alike.
To learn more about WorkAdvance Findlay’s one-year impact, read more here.
