SHELBY – Proverbial rainstorms hit Ohio’s tech deserts last week when Gov. Mike DeWine signed off on $3.2 million to be dispersed among 10 career tech manufacturing programs across the state.
The Pioneer Career & Technology Center was one of the 10 fortunate programs. The Shelby vocational school will use the $320,000 share for equipment, which will go toward a partnership with Lexington Local Schools.
“We have been in conversation with the Lexington local schools to offer a manufacturing career technical program at the high school and middle school level,” said Pioneer Supt. Greg Nickoli.
“The grant was designed for career technical deserts … state school districts that didn’t offer career technical training specifically in manufacturing.”
Lexington doesn’t currently offer a technical manufacturing program. It doesn’t currently have facilities for advanced practices, either. Pioneer will purchase equipment for basic manufacturing training and for teaching advanced concepts because of this.
“They don’t necessarily have a facility that would accommodate our welding lab,” Nickoli said. “It’ll be more training equipment that will expose students to concepts … as opposed to what we would consider high-bay type equipment that we would have at Pioneer.”
Lexington has specific plans for the equipment, with an in-district satellite program in mind. The program will help students pursue high-demand careers, learning the necessary skills to succeed.
“This grant funds advanced manufacturing equipment and curriculum for a new satellite program right here in our district, giving our students access to valuable career opportunities and educational experiences,” Lexington superintendent Kevin Young said.
The award comes after CNBC named Ohio America’s top state for business this year.
Pioneer will use the 2026-27 school year for planning, with the programs going into effect the following school year. Pioneer will work hand in hand with Lexington on which equipment to purchase and which teachers to hire.
“(We) employ the teacher, provide the ongoing supplies, professional development, and any additional equipment they might need,” Nickoli said. “This grant gives us that initial startup cost.
“We’ve run these programs in five or six other school districts, so it’ll be similar to those.”
The programs will amplify tech manufacturing across Ohio, bringing necessary training to underfunded and underexposed areas. The grants, dispersed throughout the state, amplify a surge in opportunity that Ohio has seen.
“Ohio continues to attract businesses that are creating new jobs and investing in our communities – particularly in the manufacturing industry,” DeWine said. “We have a responsibility to ensure that our students are prepared to take advantage of those opportunities.
