COTC & C-TEC strengthen workforce development in Licking County

Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) offer a certificate program in fire safety and EMT that is federal grant-eligible, to help those in need pay for tuition and other costs. This is in keeping with the institutions’ continued efforts to develop affordable, accessible and relevant education and career opportunities.

The two institutions offer programs in healthcare, business, engineering and public safety that synergistically provide career pathways to students and adults in the area, whether they want to pursue a trade, advance their career in the same discipline, or go back to school to get qualifications in a new area or expertise.

COTC President John M. Berry, PhD, takes a pragmatic approach to education. “Not everybody is ready or able to jump into a four-year commitment to a program they are not fully familiar with,” Berry says. “We offer a step-by-step journey from high school College Credit Plus (CCP) to a certificate, an associate degree and even a four-year program if and when the students are ready for it.”

COTC’s Dean of Technical Studies Lauren Massie says “In today’s economy, students often want to explore different pathways and have the ability to get a well-paying job at any stage in their education and career journey. They can progress to the next level when they feel the need, right here, at COTC.”

Joyce L. Malainy, EdD, superintendent of C-TEC, says “C-TEC and COTC have enjoyed a longstanding collaboration, and we are thrilled to continue working together. At C-TEC, our focus is on workforce development and education, with public safety training being a vital part of our mission.”

For more information, visit go.cotc.edu/fire-emt or c-tec.edu/o/ctec/page/professional-firefighter.