Workforce Development and Community Programming

Antoinette Baldin, PhD
Vice President, Workforce Development and Community Programming
Phone: (419) 995-8406
Email: baldin.a@rhodesstate.edu
Office: 207 Keese Hall

Barb Brdicka, BS
Sr. Director, Workforce Development and Community Programming
Phone: (419) 995-8426
Email: brdicka.b@rhodesstate.edu
Office: 179 JJC 

Rhodes State’s Workforce Development and Community Programming (WDCP) provides non-credit and credential (credit) training for individuals, employers looking to upskill incumbent workers, and organizations through in-person and online courses and programs. 

Company Training Solutions

The WDCP team of workforce specialists works with employers to customize and deliver training solutions to effectively meet the challenges faced in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing workforce environment.  Many of the offerings prepare participants for industry-recognized credential/certification examinations. The WDCP team also offers training open to all individuals.  WDCP's experience in developing and directing training programs for business, industry, government, and non-profit agencies makes it the single point of contact for workplace training needs. 

Experiential Learning Programs: Earn and Learn, Internship, and Apprenticeship/Pre-Apprenticeship

WDCP assists companies in the creation and support of Earn and Learn, Internship and Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs. Rhodes State College is recognized by the Department of Labor and the State of Ohio Office of Apprenticeship as a Registered Sponsor and an Apprenticeship Ambassador.  WDCP works with companies to design and simplify the start-up and ongoing maintenance of all experiential learning programs.

Career Services

WDCP assists workforce partners with employment needs by connecting them with Rhodes State College students. In turn, WDCP assists students in finding workforce career opportunities upon graduation.  WDCP, in conjunction with workforce partners, assists students with interview and other skills needed for success in the hiring process. 

Mitsubishi Training Center

Rhodes State College has partnered with Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. to establish the “Mitsubishi Training Center at Rhodes State College.” The Center provides training on Mitsubishi Programmable Logical Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) utilizing standardized Mitsubishi curriculum. Classes are taught by Mitsubishi-certified instructors. The Center brings nationally-recognized training locally. 

Small Business Development Center

The Rhodes State College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides individual, confidential counseling and training programs for the small business person. The no-cost, confidential services link resources of higher education with resources of federal, state and local governments and the private sector.

The SBDC at Rhodes State operates in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Ohio Development Services Agency. The service area includes Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties.

This unique public/private partnership offers clients one-stop access to federal, state and local small business assistance programs and provides counseling and training to new and existing businesses.

APEX Accelerators of Northwest Ohio at Rhodes State College

APEX Accelerators of Northwest Ohio at Rhodes State College helps area businesses compete for federal, state, and local government contracts. APEX matches local businesses with contract opportunities, helps businesses register in various government contracting portals, provides marketing tools, and assists clients after winning contracts at no cost to the business.  APEX Accelerators of Northwest Ohio at the College  is in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense Logistics Office of Small Business and Procurement (OSBP) and the Ohio Development Services Agency. The service area includes Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Van Wert, Williams and Wood Counties.

Rhodesology (Youth) and Pre-College Programs

WDCP offers a wide range of in-person camp and program  opportunities for grades 2-4, and 5-7 (Rhodesology), and grades  8-10 (Pre-College)  during the academic year and in the summer.  Participants utilize and explore STEAM technology through project work and tours of local workforce partners' facilities, and learn about careers in various disciplines including healthcare, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, information technology, digital media and business.  

Community Programs

To learn about a new topic for enjoyment, WDI offers a myriad of non-credit class offerings both on-line and in-person.   In-person (enrichment) course offerings focus on hobbies and topics that inspire life-long learning.

West Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (WCOMP)
Rhodes State College is an educational partner with the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (WCOMP), which provides the products, services, and assistance that are dedicated to the productivity, growth, and global competitiveness of Ohio manufacturers. This partnership broadens the access of training and service programs to manufacturers in the region. Opportunities exist for local industries to address their skill training needs to develop their skills for employment in manufacturing.