Clark State Community College was selected by the National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) for the Exemplary Non-Credit Program Award for its ISO9001 training.
ISO 9001 is the international standard for a quality management system (“QMS”). In order to be certified to the ISO 9001 standard, a company must follow the requirements set forth in the ISO 9001 Standard. The standard is used by organizations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements and to demonstrate continuous improvement
“This program is a game changer for local manufacturing businesses and defense contractors and provides businesses with a deeply discounted rate for ISO certification, which can be a major barrier when doing business,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “Clark State is the only college that offers this program in the state of Ohio and, by our calculations, the five-year economic impact of this program to the region has been $302 million.”
Clark State was able to reduce the cost of ISO 9001 training by providing the training as an online course. By doing so, businesses are able to learn best practices for meeting ISO standards without having to pay for several months with a consultant.
The Clark State ISO 9001 training program launched in 2017 and has served around 50 companies. This has resulted in 1,500 jobs through layoff aversion or new positions created.
Clark State’s Workforce and Business Solutions works closely with partner organizations to ensure regional business needs are being met. The ISO 9001 training is offered in conjunction with the Greene County Department of Development, The Chamber of Greater Springfield, Aerospace Professional Development Center, Tech Hub Aerospace Materials and Manufacturing, FASTLANE, Dayton Region Manufacturers Association and ICQ, The ISO Professionals, LLC.
“The biggest challenge for Clark State and all community colleges is also a great opportunity—staying ahead of the curve in meeting workforce needs and closing the skills gap,” said Blondin. “Clark State is responsive and aggressive in meeting workforce needs by customizing training for businesses, connecting employers to current students and graduates through internships, and ensuring that all of our programs align with industry needs in our region.”
As an affiliate council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), NCWE provides leadership for faculty, administrators, and practitioners in workforce education and basic skills, as well as representatives of business, labor, military, and government, to effect and direct the future role of two-year and other post-secondary institutions in workforce education and economic development. NCWE provides the link between policy and workforce education and economic development practice by providing support, research, and critical information to members on current and future trends and policies.
Clark State will be honored at the NCWE Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas on October 8.