What We Do
Established in 2020, the Workforce Center provides training programs for high-demand industries including manufacturing, skilled trades, and healthcare. The programs are offered through a collaborative partnership between the Fairfield County Commissioners, Ohio University Lancaster Campus and the Russ College of Engineering, and Hocking College. The partnership focuses on economic development through training and workforce development.
The Workforce Center offers a variety of programming including summer camps for middle school students, pre-apprenticeship programs for high school seniors, and adult degrees and certificates available via our higher education partners. We are also the site for some apprenticeship programs such as those offered by Claypool Electric and Accurate Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. In addition, we are the site of Fairfield County ESC’s driver’s ed program (opens in a new tab and leaves the Workforce Center website).
Community partners and employers are welcome to use the Workforce Center’s many conference spaces for events, meetings, trainings, and more. We’re passionate about professional development and supporting our community’s workforce; contact us to ask about reserving space.
Where We’re Located
Located just off of Route 33, the Workforce Center is based in Carroll, Ohio. This is the ideal location for our campus as we are strategically situated between Fairfield County’s hub, Lancaster, and the state’s bustling capital, Columbus.
We are in a prime location for both students wanting to enroll in our programs but remain close to home, and central Ohio employers wanting to tap into Fairfield County’s growing workforce.
Drive Time to
WORKFORCE CENTER
Carroll, Ohio
- Columbus - 25 minutes
- Canal Winchester - 13 minutes
- Pickerington - 13 minutes
- Lancaster - 15 minutes
- Athens - 45 minutes
4465 Coonpath Road NW
Carroll, Ohio
Our Facility
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Classrooms
Students receive in-class instruction in our classrooms. We offer traditional classroom spaces as well as hybrid classroom-and-lab spaces and a computer lab equipped with several desktops and printers.
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Conference Spaces
Employer and community partners can utilize various conference spaces including our large conference room which is ideal for bigger events and meetings. We also offer smaller conference rooms.
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Training Spaces
The Workforce Center features an expansive training area that includes loading docks, industry-specific lab spaces, and many other features. This area can also be used as a large event space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fairfield County Workforce Center?
The Fairfield County Workforce Center is a workforce advancement center in Carroll, Ohio. Established in 2020, it provides hands-on training for youth and adults in high-demand fields including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades. The Center is a collaborative partnership between the Fairfield County Commissioners, Ohio University Lancaster, and Hocking College.
Where is the Workforce Center located, and what are the hours?
The Center is located at 4465 Coonpath Rd NW, Carroll, OH 43112 - about 25 minutes from Columbus and 15 minutes from Lancaster. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can reach us at 740-652-7160 or Workforce@FairfieldCountyOhio.gov. See Where We’re Located above for drive times.
What programs are available for high school students?
High school students can enroll in pre-apprenticeship programs in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, industrial technology, water/wastewater management, and phlebotomy. Students can also take part in our Career Readiness program, which helps them explore careers, build resumes, and connect with local employers. Learn more on our Youth Programs and Career Readiness pages.
How do students apply for a pre-apprenticeship program?
Students begin by attending Pre-Apprenticeship Discovery Days, where they receive an application for the program of their choice. Applications must be signed by a parent and a school counselor and submitted with the student's current transcript. Applications are accepted throughout September, and students are notified of acceptance in early October. See our Discovery Days and Youth Programs pages for details.
What are Pre-Apprenticeship Discovery Days?
Discovery Days are sessions where Fairfield County high school seniors visit the Workforce Center to explore the different pre-apprenticeship training programs before applying. They run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit our Discovery Days page to learn more.
Does the Workforce Center offer programs for adults?
Yes. Adults can enroll in Ready-to-Work courses in carpentry, HVAC, and electrical through Hocking College, as well as Ohio University courses such as basic electronics, hydraulics and pneumatics, safety management, and engineering graphics. Apprenticeship opportunities and customized employer training are also available. See our Adult Workforce page.
Are there summer camps for younger students?
Yes. Our free EXPLORE Summer Career Camps are open to Fairfield County students entering grades 6, 7, and 8, and include Healthcare Heroes, Builders, and Team STEAM camps. Space is limited, so register early. Visit our Career Camps page for dates and enrollment.
How much do programs cost, and is financial aid available?
Youth summer camps and the Level Up Skills Program are free for eligible Fairfield County students. For adult programs, financial aid options include Pell Grants, WIOA services, TechCred funding, and financial aid through Ohio University and Hocking College. See the financial aid details on our Adult Workforce page.
Who is eligible? Do I need to live in Fairfield County?
Pre-apprenticeship students must attend school in Fairfield County (home-schooled students living in a Fairfield County school district also qualify), be high school seniors on track to graduate with a 2.0 GPA or higher, and have reliable transportation. Summer camps are for Fairfield County students in grades 6 through 8. See our Youth Programs page for the full requirements.
How can employers partner with the Workforce Center?
Local employers can develop customized training programs with Hocking College or Ohio University to host at the Center, reserve facility space, and access funding such as TechCred and WIOA. To discuss options, contact Workforce@FairfieldCountyOhio.gov. More information is on our Adult Workforce page.
Where can I find news and upcoming events?
Is the website accessible, and how is my information handled?
The Workforce Center is committed to digital accessibility - read our Accessibility Statement. To learn how this government website collects and protects your information, see our Privacy Policy.
Questions About a Program?
Call 740-652-7160 or email Workforce@FairfieldCountyOhio.gov.