The Sustainable Opportunity Development Center, Inc. (The SOD Center) announced the opening of the SOD Technical Training Center Friday December 15th, 2023.
The SOD Technical Training Center expands the SOD Training Center offerings to include a robust and designated technical training center in Salem, Ohio to help meet the training needs of regional businesses. The new addition will expand training offerings to include AC/DC, PLC, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Robotics, and Motor Drives. Training will target entry level employees, upskilling incumbent workforce, student training programs and summer camps to expose young learners to technical trades. Credentials and Certifications will be earned in most course offerings with many being Tech Cred Eligible.
This project is made possible through first round Appalachian Community Grant Funding from the State of Ohio. The SOD Center was a subrecipient of the UTICA Shale Academy Award, “Connecting Communities Through Workforce Training.” “The SOD Center is grateful to Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Development, and Governor’s Office of Appalachia for this incredible opportunity to bring specialized technical training to our regional employers”, stated Julie Needs, Executive Director of the SOD Center.
Julie Needs commented that “The partnership with the UTICA Shale Academy has made it possible for the SOD Center to expand access to hands on training for the benefit of regional employers and workforce. The partnership enhances the resources we are providing to today and tomorrow’s businesses and workforce with targeted skilled training that will assist in growth, development, retention, and attraction.
In the past 5 years, more than 3000 individuals representing over 120 employers have attended courses and workshops at the SOD Training Center. The center will continue to offer courses and workshops to facilitate workforce development with a focus on safety training, leadership development, workplace improvement, skills advancement, and soft skills. Training Coordinator, Eva Slagle stated, “The SOD Training Center will continue to function as a facilitator, bringing professional trainers to our regional community to offer cooperative training opportunities.”