About us
Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) are an association of independently operated career-technical institutions that offer adult education programs tailored to meet the specific needs of local communities. These centers play a vital role in enhancing the job skills and professional competencies of Ohio’s workforce. With 50 centers across the state, OTCs provide adult learners with the training and credentials required for the most in-demand jobs, offering a direct pathway to employment and career advancement.
Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) deliver high-quality postsecondary career and technical education across 50 career centers throughout the state. Our member institutions offer a comprehensive range of technical programs across a variety of skilled trades—including HVAC, Phlebotomy, Police Training, EMT, Nursing, Welding, CNC Machining, IT, and more. These programs equip students with the practical skills needed to earn certificates, industry-recognized certifications, and state licensures.
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OTC programs are laser-focused on skill mastery and provide tangible, external markers of competency. Completion of an OTC program signifies that students are fully equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields, making them job-ready and highly competitive in the workforce.
OTCs work in partnership with ODHE and local boards of education, seeking opportunities to enhance their workforce development programs and elevate the businesses within their region.
OTCs build on partnerships with many different education entities, businesses and governmental agencies to foster an understanding of the value of the career-technical and adult education on the lives of students. OTCs also contribute to Ohio’s workforce by supplying skilled workers to help grow the State’s economy.
OTCs engage in education and training partnerships with (but not limited to) organizations such as the ones below:
All OTC programs are approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, national accrediting agencies and in some cases specific third-party credentials. All OTCs are accredited by one of the two agencies listed below.
is a national accrediting agency of higher education institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. COE was created in 1971 as part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The COE became independent in 1995.
(ACCSC is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the designated institutional accrediting body for over 650 post-secondary, trade and technical schools that provide education to over 150,000 students in a wide variety of vocational programs each year.
As employers increasingly prioritize certificates and industry-recognized credentials in their hiring processes, Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) play a pivotal role in addressing regional workforce needs. OTCs maintain strong, ongoing partnerships with business and industry leaders to ensure that educational offerings align with the evolving demands of the job market.
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When businesses require training for incumbent workers or seek to upskill their teams, they frequently turn to OTCs for customized, flexible training solutions. Many OTCs are uniquely equipped to respond swiftly to these needs, offering tailored training programs and business consulting services that directly support Ohio’s workforce development goals and help businesses remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
With 35 years in Career Technical Education, Connie has been a lifelong advocate for workforce development. For the past 30 years, she has served at Tri-County Career Center, including the last seven as Superintendent, overseeing both the high school and adult CTE programs and services.
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Her leadership journey includes roles as a High School Principal, Adult Director, and Technology Director. She has spearheaded the development of numerous career tech programs, as well as managed significant building renovations and expansions to create opportunities for youth and adults to access career tech education.
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Beyond her local impact, she has been a driving force for career tech education at the state and regional levels. She has served as a board member for the Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents and represented OACTS on the Ohio Transfer Network Board. Her advocacy and insights have influenced policies and initiatives that benefit adult and secondary students and communities across Ohio.
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Contact Connie at caltier@oacts.com or 740.603.2520.
Find an OTC near you and get a head start on your journey to employment and economic opportunity.