Skilled Trades Professional Development Program

CETE supports efforts to modernize job classifications and career pathways for facilities personnel across The Ohio State University and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Grounded in our expertise in job analysis, learning design, and workforce development, this multi phase initiative advanced a comprehensive, research based training system for skilled trades professionals in areas including building facilities systems, electric and electrical, restoration and renovation, mechanical systems and facilities maintenance.

In collaboration with university partners, our team defined the body of knowledge for new classification series, conducted customized job and task analyses, and leveraged real‑time data collection tools to validate workplace requirements. We developed online and performance assessments to inform classification and training plans, partnered with technical training providers to deliver skilled trades coursework, and created on‑the‑job training manuals to support hands‑on learning. Our associates also designed the infrastructure and operating procedures for a scalable, sustainable training system and conducted evaluation activities to drive continuous improvement.

The program is managed and maintained by Ohio State’s Facilities Operations and Development. CETE provides consultation and technical assistance as needed to ensure effective implementation and long term success of this university wide initiative

Project Contact: Traci Lepicki

Desiree Weber

Senior Business Operations Analyst, Ohio State’s Facilities Operations and Development Operations

“We are fortunate to work with The Center on Education and Training for Employment because the team has such a breadth of knowledge. Due to the complexity of our project, it would have required the resources of multiple external consultants to meet our needs. Fortunately, our project has been able to tap into different areas [of the center] to meet our needs and they have all been very proactive in anticipating and responding to our needs. We couldn’t ask for better partner and are lucky to have a very highly skilled, very dedicated team.”