AWT debuts Transformation Center

Organization marks ‘National Manufacturing Day’ at Mentor-based facility

The Alliance for Working Together Foundation celebrated “National Manufacturing Day” by marking the debut of its new Transformation Center.

National Manufacturing Day, first held in 2012 and observed on the first Friday in October, helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions nationwide to open doors to students, parents, teachers and community leaders.

According to organization officials, the center will provide training and pathways for Northeast Ohio’s collective skilled manufacturing labor force and serve as a focal point for workforce development in the region.

Additionally, the foundation has partnered with area manufacturing companies, and county, state and federal legislators, to provide training for skilled manufacturing jobs.

“The opening of AWT’s Workforce Transformation Center recognizes years of hard work and planning by AWT, state, county and local officials,” said state Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord Township. “These efforts have culminated in one of the most stateof-the-art facilities in Ohio for teaching the skills needed in modern manufacturing.

“This investment will ensure Lake County continues to be a hub of American manufacturing for generations to come.”

The approximately $3 million facility will provide Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics-to-career programming for K-12 students, pre-apprenticeships for high school juniors and seniors, along with apprenticeships for those who are unemployed or incumbent workers, officials confirmed.

“The center will serve our region, upskilling our workforce and inspiring future innovators,” added state Sen. Jerry Cirino, RKirtland.

The 12,500-square-foot training center, located at 8980 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, will also serve as a place where manufacturers will join to share ideas and best practices, and promote manufacturing careers.

“We (at Mentor School District) are excited that our Advanced Manufacturing program will be relocating to its new home in the heart of the sixth-largest manufacturing hub in the state,” said Joe Glavan, director of business partnerships and career technical education coordinator.

The AWT Transformation Training Center construction is made possible by the donations of individuals, foundations, and companies, in addition to state and federal funding.

For more information, visit www.thinkmfg.com/.