Workforce
Discover Van Wert County’s Workforce & Career Development Resources
Van Wert County is committed to building a strong, skilled workforce by connecting students, job seekers, and employers with the resources they need to succeed. Whether you’re a high school student exploring career options, an adult looking to upskill, or a business seeking qualified talent, Van Wert offers a range of training programs, employment services, and thriving companies ready to support your growth.
Workforce
Population of 911,659 within 45 miles
Vantage Career Center provides student-focused, career technical training to prepare high school junior + senior students and adults for employment or further education. High schoolers from 13 member school districts in Mercer, Putnam, Paulding, and Van Wert counties may attend Vantage.
The enrollment total in 2022 was 547 students, who could choose from 17 programs, such as auto body, auto technology, industrial mechanics, precision machining, welding, culinary arts, construction equipment technology, network systems, and health technology. Programs feature nationally-recognized curricula taught by industry experts using advanced technology and equipment. The center also serves adult workers seeking additional training + certification.
Mindy Eales, Workforce Development Supervisor
Van Wert County JFS/OhioMeansJobs
114 E. Main St.
Van Wert, OH 45891
(419)238-5430 ext 0136
OhioMeansJobs offers services and a location to nurture a workforce system that provides individuals + employers the opportunity to prosper economically. The goal is to link employers with workers with the skill set to meet the labor demand.
Van Wert County OhioMeansJobs Center is committed to helping employers meet their workforce needs. The local office offers training grants, recruitment tools, on-the-job training opportunities, interviewing and application facilities, hiring + job promotion, layoff aversion + rapid response assistance, Work Opportunity Tax Credit information, and additional assistance.
Van Wert Works aims to ensure that everyone in our community is aware of the jobs + careers available. Our local companies need our local talent, who often do not realize the great opportunity right here in our backyard. This program is spear-headed by VWAEDC’s Workforce Development Manager,
Lauren Buchanan. Contact Lauren to learn more ways Van Wert Works can aid in your workforce needs.
Top Employers in Van Wert County
Danfoss is a diversified industrial manufacturer of electrical components + systems for power quality, distribution, and control; hydraulics components, systems + services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics + pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck + automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy, and safety.
The Van Wert Danfoss plant employs 1,250 people who manufacture hoses + fittings that are used primarily in the agriculture + industrial industries.
Cooper Farms is a leading food supplier, selling a variety of fully cooked + ready-to-cook turkey, ham, and chicken products to customers throughout North America.
The company raises live turkeys, chickens, and hogs in Northwest and West Central Ohio and produces quality meat products for private label + food service brands. The company, founded in 1938, has two divisions in four locations in northwest Ohio. The Van Wert facility has about 650 employees at its Cooked Meats plant.
Tenneco (NYSE: TEN) is one of the world’s leading designers, manufacturers, and marketers of automotive products for original equipment + aftermarket customers, with full-year 2021 revenues of $18 billion and approximately 71,000 team members working at more than 260 sites worldwide.
Through our four business groups, Motorparts, Performance Solutions, Clean Air, and Powertrain, Tenneco is driving advancements in global mobility by delivering technology solutions for diversified global markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway, industrial, motorsport, and the aftermarket.
OhioHealth – Van Wert Hospital aims to promote wellness while providing quality health services through compassionate care to all its patients.
Residents throughout the county can obtain health care at the hospital and ER on Washington Street or the Walk-In Clinic in Towne Center. Van Wert Health has about 500 employees at all of its facilities.
Braun Industries, Inc. is a family-owned + operated ambulance manufacturer. Through the company’s commitment to producing quality vehicles that are built for life, it has become an industry leader.
Braun is located in Van Wert’s Vision Industrial Park and employs over 300 people.
Founded as the Central Mutual Insurance Company in 1876, the Central Insurance Group of companies has evolved into a successful property + casualty group.
Central writes over 350,000 insurance policies for customers in 20 states through local independent agents. They are a mutual property + casualty carrier offering both personal + commercial lines coverages. The home office is in Van Wert, with regional offices in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Columbus. The Van Wert location employs about 300.
Area Colleges
