Columbus Urban League prepping for new central Ohio industries

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Are workers in central Ohio prepared for a career shift? The nonprofit Columbus Urban League (CUL) is shifting its programming to make sure the clients it serves are ready for an influx of new industries.

The vice president of programming with the Columbus Urban League said a survey of 3,500 clients and potential clients revealed that a large percentage are interested in the opportunities heading to central Ohio. 

"We listen to what the community has to say, and we also listen at the policy and political level as decisions are being made as policies are changing," Jeaneen Hooks, vice president of programming for the Columbus Urban League, said. 

The survey revealed several specific industries of interest including engineering, technology and the manufacturing space. 

With that information, the team at CUL is working to modify existing programming to include more specialized training, early exposure to these clients' paths through bus tours and speakers as well as introducing certification programs. 

The agency is in the process of securing grants and according to Hooks, the program shift will cost a little more than $1 million but Hooks said it will be money well spent.

"It's going to be all hands on deck for the city of Columbus," Hooks said. "But I believe we’re the right people at the right time that can make this happen."