AOMC member Jaden Martin holds Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel's arm in the air for his victory in the battle bots game at the AOMC Training Center on Thursday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel visited the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition (AOMC) Training Center in Marietta Thursday as part of his WorkOhio Job Connector Tour.

The WorkOhio regional program launched in January and is intended for those searching for jobs and or seeking training for the next step in their career.

The program’s goal is to connect Ohioans with jobs and support from regional job experts.

Tressel will tour around the region and visit job sites to learn more about what the employer offers to the community in terms of workforce development and career advancement.

“We knew that the opportunities and the needs in every region were a little bit different, and the people in the region are used to working together,” said Tressel. “AOMC is just one of our many connectors.”

AOMC member Lukas Reed shows Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel the CNN Metal Indexing Milling Machine at the training center on Thursday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Tressel said the goal is to raise awareness about organizations such as AOMC and share the opportunities that are available.

AOMC provides manufacturing training for those looking to pursue it as a career. AOMC provides training for skills like welding, robotics, machining and more.

While touring the training center, Tressel was guided through each work station which included various manufacturing processes like fabrication, laser cutting, programming and milling. There were members of AOMC present to talk Tressel and attendees through the machine process and how it is used in larger manufacturing settings.

AOMC member Lukas Reed said the CNN Metal Indexing Milling Machine is used to create parts by the hundreds for Boeing airplanes. He said the machines they use at AOMC are a smaller scale of what’s used in the real world.

Tressel said the energy from the members of AOMC is pivotal for young-adult learners who want to connect with others while advancing their careers.

A metal plate carved with the statement, "Ohio The Heart of It All" held by Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel on Thursday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“Anyone can go onto WorkOhio.gov to connect and talk to a human being about learning more,” said Tressel.

He said job seekers can simply view the catalog on the website and get connected directly to program personnel and take a deep dive into what they’re looking for.

Through WorkOhio, there are training and internship opportunities for anyone to get connected to. Tressel said the purpose of WorkOhio is to be accessible for everyone whether the individual is recovering from addiction, experiencing barriers with transportation, or coming out of incarceration, there are opportunities for everyone.

“We’ve been getting a lot of anecdotal stories and our goal is, if we can make a difference in one person at a time and stack those up, it’s going to make a difference with our businesses and industry,” he said.

Even though the program began a few months ago, Tressel said there have already been success stories with individuals hearing back from employers soon after visiting the WorkOhio website.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel holds a piece of hot metal recently lasered in a machne. AOMC member Lukas Reed, right, explains the process of laser cutting metal. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“There’s an increase in self-image and self-worth when you find something that you like doing and you contribute to,” said Tressel. “What a difference it makes in their lives.”

Southeast Ohio residents can visit the website and connect with a Community Director who will guide them through jobs that would be suited to their needs and interests.

For more information visit WorkOhio.gov

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com

Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel plays battle bots at the AOMC Training Center as part of his WorkOhio tour on Thursday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)