LIMA — A partnership between ApprenticeOhio and Rhodes State College will make it easier for students to pursue well-paying careers in industries that need workers.

The Ohio College Apprenticeship Consortium provides tuition reimbursement to participating students for completing preapprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs in occupations identified by local businesses as needing workers.

The programs combine classroom and on-the-job training to help apprentices learn the skills employers need. The ApprenticeOhio initiative at Rhodes State is focused on careers in advanced manufacturing.

“Apprentices immediately get a good paying job, they graduate from college debt-free and learn skills for exciting and profitable careers,” said Kent Kahn, executive director of Workforce, Economic Development and Continuing Education at Rhodes State College. “It’s also a great benefit for employers who will then have qualified employees trained to their specifications at a reasonable cost.”

The consortium is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The consortium also includes Cuyahoga Community College, Lorain County Community College, Stark State Community College, Columbus State College, Edison State Community College, Marion Technical College, North Central State College, Sinclair Community College and Washington State Community College.

For information, call 419-995-8464.