Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited New Bridge Cleveland today, marking the fourth stop on his WorkOhio Job Connector Tour to highlight pathways to in-demand healthcare careers in Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland-based healthcare workforce training center showcased its programs designed to connect job seekers with vital industry opportunities.
During his visit, Lt. Governor Tressel toured various healthcare training labs, including the Phlebotomy Lab, where students demonstrated blood draw procedures, and the Medical Assistance Lab, observing trainees practice bedside manner and vital sign monitoring. The tour concluded in the PNC Bank Sterile Processing Lab, where the process of cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments was demonstrated.
"Healthcare continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most important industries in Ohio, and organizations like New Bridge Cleveland are helping more people discover the opportunities available to them," said Lt. Governor Tressel. He added that WorkOhio aims to connect individuals with support and open doors for meaningful careers.
New Bridge Cleveland, a WorkOhio Community Connector in the Northeast region, offers healthcare training for adults and career exploration for students, partnering with the Central School for Practical Nursing. Erin Slay, Chief Operating Officer of New Bridge Cleveland, said, "We are honored to welcome Lt. Governor Jim Tressel as we showcase the power of workforce education to transform lives, strengthen healthcare systems, and revitalize communities." She emphasized the creation of direct pathways to careers and addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages.
WorkOhio, launched earlier this year, provides personalized support through seven Regional Job Hubs and Community Connectors, guiding Ohioans to in-demand jobs and training. Future stops on the Job Connector Tour are planned across the state's remaining WorkOhio regions.