Knox Workforce Development Alliance
WorkDev is a workforce development alliance managed and led by the Area Development Foundation to pursue employer-first workforce solutions in Knox County for local Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Construction employers.
Mission Statement: A data-driven collaboration of professionals working to enhance career pathways and worker skill alignment for in-demand industry employers in Knox County.
The group is comprised of representatives from local (focus-industry) employers, educators, social services, and non-profits. Representatives attend monthly meetings where workforce topics are discussed, pipeline barriers are identified, and productive solutions are created.
Primary programs/operations created/coordinated by WorkDev/ADF:
- Monthly Meetings: Meetings include discussion and information sharing between businesses and workforce partners. There are often presentations regarding workforce-related resources that employers can benefit from. Presentations also include local workforce data sharing. WorkDev occasionally tours local employer/workforce partner locations.
- Knox ASPECT: Manufacturing readiness program for high school seniors to explore career opportunities in manufacturing before graduating. Held every April.
- Knox Healthcare Expo: Event held at each county high school to promote career pathways in Healthcare. Presented by local healthcare employers. The event rotates between school districts.
- Knox College Job & Internship Fair: Held in the spring each year for Knox County employers to promote jobs or internships related to local college graduates.
- Manufacturing Matters Events: An event held to promote local manufacturing companies at a school district sporting event. Manufacturing companies can have a booth at a local sporting event and share with the community about their products, career opportunities, and community impact.
- Trainings: WorkDev often hosts training sessions for employers to send their workers to. These trainings are created based on the specific employer needs expressed at monthly meetings.
Reports:
For more information about our past operations and activities, please review our annual reports:
We encourage you to review the 2025-2026 WorkDev Action Plan to learn more about our vision and plans for the future.
Employers interested in participating in WorkDev and benefiting from our many programs and presentations can contact Julia Suggs (WorkDev Chairperson) at 740-507-4108 or julia@knoxadf.com
Knox Business Advisory Council
WorkDev acts as the operations committee for the Knox Business Advisory Council.
The Knox Business Advisory Council serves the five school districts in Knox County and provides communication channels between local businesses and the school district administration. This is a public body created by the Knox County Educational Service Center. The Knox ESC has empowered the Area Development Foundation to coordinate the Knox BAC meetings and operations.
The Knox Business Advisory Council 2025 Meeting Schedule:
- April 23rd: 9:15am-10:30am
- August 27th: 9:15am-:10:30am
- November 19thL 9:15am-10:30am
Knox County Workforce Development Ecosystem Partners
The following section highlights the workforce development ecosystem partners that operate in Knox County and actively promote practices aligned with the mission of WorkDev. These organizations collaborate across sectors to strengthen the local talent pipeline, support employers, and create pathways to meaningful employment for residents.
Each partner plays a unique role in advancing workforce solutions that connect education, training, and industry needs throughout the county, while also providing critical support to local businesses through talent development, employee retention strategies, and business service coordination.
Knox County Ohio Means Jobs
Is an organization that utilizes Ohio Means Jobs resources to connect employers with job seekers in Knox County. They offer many services for all levels of professional development including:
- Resume help
- Interview Practice and Advice
- General Reading and Writing
Their office also offers significant business services. They will post jobs, market on social media, offer radio interview opportunities, screen applicants, and many other services.
Website
Ohio Means Jobs Knox
Knox County Career Center
Offers programs for high school age students to become educated and certified in various fields including:
Industrial/Manufacturing: Construction Trades, Welding, Precision Machining, Automotive Repair & Collision Repair, Landscape Design
Service/Care Industries: Education, Computer Networking, Business Management, Culinary Arts, Software Development, Health Technologies, Exercise Science, Cosmetology
KCCC is constantly seeking community partners that will accept students for placement/work opportunities while in school to encourage more seamless hiring after graduation.
Contact:
Beth Marhefka – Career Placement & Development Coordinator
(740) 397-5820
bmarhefka@knoxcc.org
Knox County Career Navigator
The Knox County Career Navigator helps direct high school juniors and seniors toward available high-demand jobs that don’t require a four-year college degree. The Career Navigator aims to bridge the gap between trained workers and unfilled jobs in the skilled trades.
The current Career Navigator, Sean McCutcheon, regularly presents to local high school classes about career options, and meets one on one with students to help connect them to the best opportunities available.
Sean connects with local companies to create profiles. Sean and a company representative will create a short presentation with details about the company, which Sean uses to educate students on the possible local career opportunities.
Contact:
Sean McCutcheon – Career Navigator
smccutcheon@knoxesc.org
Central Ohio Technical College
The Knox County Campus offers degree and certification programs in:
- Art & Sciences
- Business & IT
- Engineering Technologies
- Healthcare Careers
- Public Service & Safety
Flexible class schedules that cater to unique work hours, with in-person and online options.
Contact:
Sandra Y. Walker – Dean of Technical Studies
(740) 366-9285
walker.1167@mail.cotc.edu
Knox Technical Center
Knox Technical Center is the post-secondary branch of the Knox County Career Center, offering full-time career tech programs in business, industrial trades, healthcare, public safety, and cosmetology.
KTC also offers customized training resources for local companies.
Train your employees: Do your employees need specific skills or certifications? KTC can customize a training program for your organization.
Contact:
Jane Marlow – Customized Training Contact
(740) 393-2933, Ext 1105
jmarlow@knoxcc.org
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Offer Undergraduate Degree opportunities in over 25 fields. Often seeking internship/placement opportunities for:
Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science
Business: Accounting, Management, Marketing, HR
Healthcare: Nursing, Psychology, Communication Science, Physical Therapy
Education: Early Childhood, Middle School, High School, All Subjects
For Graduate and Professional Studies there are online programs in:
Business: Data Analytics, Accounting, Logistics, Marketing, HR, Finance, Management
Healthcare: Administrations, Intervention Specialist, Nursing, Social Services
Our Valued Partners
.png)
