The Van Wert Area Business Advisory Council was created in 2018 to foster cooperation among local schools, businesses, and the communities they serve.
Its objective is to ensure that the work of educators aligns with the needs of businesses. Board members representing Van Wert County school districts + varied industry sectors develop plans to ensure educators are informed of the local labor market, cultivate work-based experiences, and prepare students for successful employment opportunities.
Current schools + business representation consists of:
- Crestview Local Schools
- Lincolnview Local Schools
- Van Wert City Schools
- Vantage Career Center
- Alexander + Bebout
- Alliance Automation
- Braun Industries
- Central Insurance
- Danfoss
- Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio
- Kenn-Feld Group
- OhioHealth – Van Wert Hospital
- OhioMeansJobs – Van Wert County
- Store & Haul
- Van Wert Chamber of Commerce
- Van Wert County Foundation
The Business Advisory Council meets on the third Thursday each month at Vantage Career Center – Community Room. If you or your business would like more information or to join the BAC, please contact us.
Education on Location
Education on Local is an annual weeklong program facilitated by VWAEDC with the Business Advisory Council for local (preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school) educators to acquire continuing education. This Ashland University-sanctioned course offers continuing education units required by the Ohio Department of Education + optional credit hours toward a degree.
The week’s goal was to enlighten teachers with local career opportunities for their students. By touring numerous Van Wert County businesses, the attendees gain insight into the products + services of local companies. More importantly, they earn an understanding of the vast number of local jobs for engineers, medical professionals, skilled trades, logistics, and lab scientists. The desired outcome is that teachers use this information to enlighten + prepare students as they journey toward a successful career.
Educators learn about the “soft skills” employers desire. Dependability, Customer Service, Communication, and Critical Thinking are among the top traits employers say they need for the success and longevity of their employees.
Required from the attendees was a write-up of takeaways + how educators will apply the information in the classroom.
“Education on Location has helped me reflect on my teaching practices and provided me with an increased awareness of how I can connect my students with the local business community and help better prepare them for productive careers.”
– a recent participant