From Classroom to Career: Upper Valley’s Role in Workforce Development with Duane Caudill

In this episode of the OTCs podcast, explore how Upper Valley Career Center’s Adult Technology Center is shaping career pathways for adult learners in Ohio. Guest Duane Caudill shares insights into the center’s short-term training programs, focusing on high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, HVAC, welding, and automation. Key topics include the OTC Plus program, which allows high school students to enroll in technical education programs unavailable at their schools, and the center’s strong partnerships with business and industry to develop customized training solutions. Duane discusses the center’s International Apprenticeship Exchange Program, which connects students with Germany’s apprenticeship model and highlights the role of emerging technologies such as AI and automation in workforce preparation. Success stories of students advancing their careers through stackable credentials are shared, along with strategies for supporting adult learners balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The episode also covers the center’s approach to addressing skill gaps and the importance of industry collaboration in developing future-ready training programs.To learn more about Ohio Technical Centers in your area, visit  www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/. Special thanks to the support of OACTS and its role in advancing this effort.