CARROLL, Ohio — Pickerington City Schools Math teacher Mary Rawlins taught for 33 years and retired in 2019.

“I have kids calling me every night, can you tutor me tonight, 8:00 p.m.? And I could say no, but I know that they need me,” said Rawlins.

But a new venture as a career navigator at the new Fairfield County Workforce Center brought the mother of four out of retirement.


What You Need To Know

  • Students will spend two hours per day learning career skills in the trades, manufacturing and health care with instructors from Ohio University and Hocking College

  • This semester, the Workforce Center welcomed 50 seniors from Pickerington Schools

  • It plans to offer the same opportunities to additional Fairfield County schools in the future

“I just want them to have a future and have someone in their corner that cares about them and what they're going to do after graduation,” said Rawlins. 

This semester, the Workforce Center welcomed 50 seniors from Pickerington Schools. 

Students will spend two hours per day learning career skills in the trades, manufacturing and health care with instructors from Ohio University and Hocking College.

Fairfield County Director of Economic and Workforce Development Rick Szabrak said there is a need for skilled labor.

“There was a gap for these students that didn't choose career tech in high school, but as they're nearing graduation or even after they graduate, we want to provide opportunities for them to get into these careers. I like to tell these students, 'We want you to start working here, but these skills, you're going to be able to go anywhere across the country and get a job if you want to,'” said Szabrak. 

Szabrak and Rawlins said once a career path is identified, they'll focus with a student on that area of training. 

They plan to offer the same opportunities to additional Fairfield County schools in the future. 

Rawlins said she believes the best part of the Workforce Center is the confidence boost it provides for parents and students and breaking down the stigma that if you wanted to be a success, you have to go to college. 

“We had a parent night. We told them, you know it's not about going to college right now. For some of them, it's about getting a job and then letting their jobs pay for their college so that they can be debt free. I don't want to be done with them when they are seniors. I want to follow up with them next year, follow up with the businesses and go visit them at their job site and just tell them how proud I am of them. Kids don't hear that enough,” said Rawlins. 

The Fairfield Workforce Center is free for students and made possible by $1.25 million from the state to purchase equipment for advanced manufacturing training. 

A grant from the Area 20 Workforce Development Board also offers students pre-apprenticeship programs in carpentry and wastewater treatment. 

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