From the Desk of the President: "IST Trains People for High-Tech Work" For the past several years, NC State has been focused on building community partnerships in workforce and economic development, resulting in the establishment of The James W. Kehoe Center for Advanced Learning in Shelby. The Kehoe Center is thriving and expanding beyond our expectations. The most recent addition to the Kehoe Center is the Integrated Systems Technology (IST) Training Center, through our Workforce Development and Corporate Services Division. The goal of the IST program is to train people to succeed in the current high-tech work environment. In Ohio, we face many challenges in today’s economy, including a shortage of highly skilled workers. The manufacturing environment in north central Ohio has become more high-tech. There is a growing need in the region for trained technologists who can maintain industrial equipment, specifically, multiple systems with integrated controls. We need a cross-training and replacement strategy of skilled workers to maintain the operation of our industrial base. NC State addressed this need with the creation of the IST curriculum, which is: Task-based, Hands-on, Self-paced, individualized, Computerized  & Open entry/open exit (Interactive/multimedia) Initial funding for the IST Program came through the efforts of Congressman Mike Oxley when NC State College received a FIPSE grant of $100,000 early in 2002. More recently, the collaborative efforts of state and local government and education representatives resulted in a $996,562 grant to establish the IST program at The Kehoe Center. Additional grant funds of $90,000 have come through the Richland County Department of Job and Family Services and the U.S. Department of Labor. North Central State College is proud to be able to offer this unique, comprehensive training program. The Integrated Systems Technology Program is sure to produce an immediate and long-term economic benefit to area industries and individuals. Sincerely, Ronald E. Abrams, President North Central State College For more information about IST, contact Dale Doty at The Kehoe Center, 419-755-4832.

Office of the President 197 Fallerius Technical Ed. Center North Central State College 2441 Kenwood Circle Mansfield, Ohio 44901

president@ncstatecollege.edu (419)755-4703

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