Maplewood Career Center was named the Resource Partner of the Year by the Portage Development Board. Maplewood was recognized for its investment in the Portage Development Board and for being a highly valued workforce development resource partner.

“It is a great honor to be the recipient of this award,” said Michael Hinton, Director of Workforce Development and Adult Education. “We have worked hard over the past year to develop and implement programs that will not only help individuals find employment, but also help employers find skilled, well-trained employees to grow their teams.”

The award was presented at the Locate. Stay. Grow. 2017! Awards ceremony on Oct. 12, at NEOMED Center in Rootstown. Hinton and Maplewood Superintendent Randall Griffith were present to accept the award on the Career Center’s behalf.

Maplewood Career Center partnered with several local manufacturing companies to develop a manufacturing maintenance program. Maplewood invested $280,000 in curriculum and equipment while local companies guaranteed enrollment and paid the tuition for current employees the company chose to participate in the program.

The partnership grew out of workforce needs. Thirty students have enrolled in the program and to date, 12 students have graduated. As a result, the program is already having an impact by fulfilling local manufacturing needs.

Currently, Maplewood is working to develop a new Certified Production Technician program to train entry level workers for manufacturing operation jobs. They are working with local companies and the Portage Development Board to secure funding and develop a sound curriculum.

“We are proud to be working with local businesses to provide job training in areas of need,” said Griffith. “It is an honor to be recognized with this award and we look forward to continuing our work with local companies and the Portage Development Board.”

Griffith serves as a member of the Portage Development Board. Hinton is the chair of the marketing committee.