Dec 5, 2023
(MARIETTA, Ohio) – The Washington County Career Center – Adult Technical Training is excited to announce a significant boost to its scholarship program, thanks to a generous $5,000 donation from Orion Engineered Carbons, Belpre Plant. This marks the second consecutive year Orion has extended its support to Adult Technical Training.
The donation is dedicated to scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in the industrial/manufacturing field, emphasizing the commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals. In 2022, the scholarship assisted nine students in pursuing careers in Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Chemical Technician, and Instrumentation & Electricity. Mike Brill, Maintenance Manager at Orion, explained why scholarships like this are important, “Orion is committed to supporting our community partners in the adult workforce educational field.”
Among the scholarship recipients is Miles Blackwell, a 2023 Parkersburg South High School graduate and a current student in the Instrumentation & Electricity Technician program. Miles expressed his gratitude, stating, “The scholarship gives me the promise of financial freedom, knowing that I will receive the education and training I need to succeed in life without the threat of student loan debt hanging over me. It makes me hopeful for my future.”
The industrial programs at the school are designed to be completed in 12 months or less, leading directly to in-demand jobs. Notably, most of the students are not only attending school but also working full-time jobs, highlighting the practical and career-oriented nature of the training.
Evan Schaad, Director of Adult Technical Training, emphasized the impact of the scholarships on students, stating, “Many of our students encounter barriers to training or re-training at different points in their lives. Community partners such as Orion help ensure that we can continue to serve those in the Mid-Ohio Valley as we strive to fill workforce needs.”
For individuals interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities, please visit www.thecareercenter.net or call the Adult Technical Training office at 1.800.648.3695.
The Career Center’s Adult Technical Training Center is located on State Route 676 in Marietta.
Pictured: From left to right: Mike Brill, ORION Maintenance Manager, Walter Mace, ORION Production Engineer (2017 graduate of WCCC, Adult Tech Instrumentation & Electricity program); Aaron Heiss, WCCC Industrial Training Manager; Evan Schaad, WCCC Adult Technical Training Director, Roland Loganathan, ORION Plant Manager, Clay Johnson, ORION I/E Technician (2021 graduate of WCCC, Adult Tech Instrumentation & Electricity program)
About Washington County Career Center – Adult Technical Training: The WCCC – Adult Technical Training provides high-quality training for individuals pursuing industrial, manufacturing, and healthcare careers. With programs designed to meet the demands of the workforce, the Career Center gives students the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen field.
About Orion Engineered Carbons: Orion is a leading global producer of carbon black, offering a broad range of carbon black products for various applications. The Belpre Plant is committed to supporting local communities and education initiatives, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in the region.