Raise the Bar Hancock County® launches video series

This is a press release from Raise The Bar Hancock County® announcing a new video series:

FINDLAY, OH (July 5, 2024) – Raise the Bar Hancock County® announces the release of a new video series highlighting in-demand careers in education and human services in Hancock County. This initiative continues Raise the Bar’s efforts to promote workforce development and support local talent in pursuing rewarding careers.

The video series provides an in-depth look at opportunities in various people-focused sectors. Each video is designed to inspire and educate students, job seekers and community members about the careers that are critical to the country’s growth and prosperity.

In the spotlight: Employers and professions in the region:

1. Findlay Family YMCA – Early Learning Specialists

2. Findlay City Schools K-12 Support Workers

3. Millstream Career Center faculty

4. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Youth and Adult Education Staff

5. Family Resource Center and Case Manager of Hancock County Job and Family Services

“Our community’s best asset is our people,” says Tricia Valasek, executive director of Raise the Bar. “Taking the time to nurture people from infancy through adulthood is one of the best investments we can make. It’s imperative that we continue to raise awareness and fill a pool of individuals who can take on this rewarding role. Because of this demand, we’ve initially focused on these five targeted careers.”

Each video in the series features local professionals in the field, giving viewers insight into the daily tasks, challenges and rewards of these occupations. The videos also provide information on the training and skills required, potential career opportunities and the impact these roles have on the community.

“Supporting our children is critical to the growth and prosperity of our community. Child care workers are truly the workforce behind the workforce,” explains Kari Redman, director of the Findlay Family YMCA Childcare Development Center. Raise the Bar highlighted the YMCA’s child care team in one of its videos as demand for early learning/child care opportunities in the community increases. Valasek points out that the YMCA, like other licensed facilities in Ohio, mandates certain staff-to-child ratios based on age. “In order to add spaces for infants, toddlers and school-age children, our child care facilities must hire more trained and qualified staff. We must build this professional sector quickly.”

The video series is available on Raise the Bar’s YouTube channel (@raisethebarhancockcounty7737). Raise the Bar also plans to release individual videos on its social media platforms and to schools for use in their career programs.

Raise the Bar Hancock County® connects stakeholders to improve the quality of the workforce. By working with local businesses, educational institutions and community partners, Raise the Bar® seeks to advance workplace opportunity paradigms to build a community where employment and career advancement are accessible and attainable.

Photo: Sandra Velasquez, a preschool teacher mentor at the Findlay Family YMCA Childcare Development Center, shares her personal experiences in one of Raise the Bar’s videos.