July 10, 2024 (Nelsonville, Ohio) - Last month, Hocking College (Hocking) was presented with the Workforce Development Award at the annual Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA) Conference, which was held in Asheville, North Carolina, on June 14.
Each year, community colleges throughout the Appalachian region compete to win the award, and this year, Hocking took home the prize with its unique programs and outstanding contributions to the community.
The college was celebrated for its creative approach to building a skilled workforce through two key programs: Hospitality & Events Management and the Culinary Arts. Students in these programs receive their training at The Lodge at Hocking College and Rhapsody Music and Dining Restaurant.
Both The Lodge and Rhapsody restaurant, part of the School of Workforce Development, offer students practical work experience and soft skills training. They both serve the surrounding area with employment opportunities and essential training designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for success, leading to economic growth and rewarding careers.
"These programs are providing a bridge between academia and industry," said Hocking College President Dr. Betty Young. "Using real-world experience with theory, we hope to give our students opportunities and build a stronger community leading to an increase in employment rates, skill development, and overall economic growth."
For more information about Hocking and its workforce development initiatives, please visit www.hocking.edu.
