April 2, 2026
The continued expansion of advanced manufacturing across multiple sectors is fueled by the demand for precision, efficiency and increased output of products that power our everyday lives.
Employers, however, continue to face a shortage of workers with hands-on experience using modern, design-driven manufacturing technologies — especially those related to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing.
To help close this gap in Appalachian Ohio, the Tuscarawas County University Branch District (dba Kent State University at Tuscarawas), in partnership with Buckeye Career Center, is using $292,000 in ARC funds to expand worker training and education in cutting-edge advanced manufacturing tools through the Multi-County Advanced Manufacturing Corridor (MCAMC) project.
Investing in In-Demand Skills
While regional institutions offer strong technical and career education programs, outdated or limited equipment can restrict the ability to deliver training aligned with current industry standards. That is why the District is using is using ARC funds to invest in critical equipment upgrades at Kent State Tuscarawas and Buckeye Career Center, including an advanced storage server and an automated CNC press brake.
“The MCAMC project allows us to align training directly with what employers need today, not yesterday,” said William H. (Bill) Beisel, Director of Business and Community Services at Kent State University at Tuscarawas. “By investing in modern equipment and shared facilities, we can give students hands-on experience with the same technologies they will use on the job.”
Through close collaboration with regional manufacturers and active industry advisory boards, the project ensures that curricula remain responsive to evolving technologies such as CNC machining, CAD/CAM, robotics and other design-driven manufacturing tools. This coordinated, multi-county approach allows students and workers to train on advanced equipment that individual institutions or small employers could not afford on their own.
Strengthening the Advanced Manufacturing Talent Pipeline
Once fully implemented, the project is expected to serve 686 students, strengthen operations for eight local businesses and upskill 69 workers. These outcomes will help strengthen the local talent pipeline, support manufacturers’ workforce needs and enhance long-term economic competitiveness in this region.
Looking ahead, this project positions our region as a hub for advanced, design-driven manufacturing,” Beisel said. “It creates clear career pathways for students and a reliable pipeline of skilled talent for employers, supporting both innovation and long-term economic growth.”
Connecting education, workforce development and industry across multiple counties helps reduce competition for talent among neighboring communities while giving employers confidence that workers are prepared to adopt new technologies. For students and incumbent workers alike, the project creates opportunities to upskill, reskill and build future-ready careers close to home.
By investing in modern manufacturing infrastructure and collaborative partnerships, ARC is helping ensure that Appalachian communities have the tools and training needed to compete in a rapidly evolving manufacturing economy. The MCAMC project demonstrates how targeted equipment investments can drive workforce readiness, employer engagement and regional economic growth.