Chemours and the Wood County Technical Center have entered in a Partners in Education agreement. Partners in Education is a program of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley. From left, Jill Parsons, CEO of the chamber; Sierra Gard, regional communications manager at Chemours; Technical Center Principal Dr. Jason Hughes; and Christie Willis, superintendent of Wood County Schools. (Photo provided)

The Wood County Technical Center and Chemours Washington Works are now Partners in Education, a program through the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“This official partnership with Chemours is just the next logical step in a strong school-business partnership that started with collaboration with a Chemours Vibrant Communities grant,” Dr. Jason Hughes, Technical Center principal, said. “That grant allowed the implementation of a high school Advanced Manufacturing program at the Technical Center, and this formal signing ensures that momentum continues to grow for our students.”

The collaboration offers students a vantage point into the realities of modern manufacturing through guest speaking engagements, potential facility tours and curriculum consultation. Students in programs such as Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Industrial Maintenance gain insights from industry professionals and are better prepared for careers in a rapidly evolving manufacturing economy.

“At Chemours, we believe building a strong manufacturing workforce starts with early, meaningful connections between education and industry,” Sierra Gard, regional communications manager for Chemours, said. “By formalizing our partnership with Wood County Technical Center, we’re investing in hands-on learning experiences that help students and strengthen our community and workforce.”

The Washington Works plant is among the company’s largest manufacturing facilities and has a longstanding presence in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The facility produces advanced performance materials for the automotive, aerospace and electronics industry.

The Technical Center provides secondary and post-secondary students with specialized career and technical training. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-recognized certifications, the Technical Center prepares the local workforce for high-demand careers in fields including health sciences to advanced manufacturing.