The Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing Technology Education Collaborative Center (RAMTEC) at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) was officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony, VIP Dinner and grand opening, held on Thursday, January 14. The RAMTEC project broke ground last March at the CVCC, located at 8001 Brecksville Road, in Brecksville.
The 3200 square foot, $2.25 million state-of-the-art new addition “will be used to train high school and adult students in the areas of advanced manufacturing, as well as enhance incumbent worker training programs, in order to meet Northeast Ohio employer needs,” according to Joseph Dannemiller, Executive Director of CVCC.
CVCC Superintendent Dr. Celena Roebuck began the presentation, stating that RAMTEC served as an “award for northeast Ohio residents. “Machining never dies, it just looks a lot cooler now!”
“This is a great opportunity for your communities and for your kids,” said Keynote Speaker, Lt. Governor Mary Taylor. “They will get skills they will use for the rest of their lives.” Taylor was joined by CVCC Board of Education and administration, members of the Ohio House of Representatives and Senators, area Mayors, School Superintendents and other distinguished guests.
“We have manufacturing and engineering jobs in Ohio, but we need a larger and better skilled pool of workers to fill them,” said Roebuck. She said that the project is an initiative by RAMTEC to train a workforce skilled for the needs of the local industry, in the areas of polymers, biohealth, aerospace/aviation, automotive and food processing. “We hope to attract younger students seeking state-of-the-art-training facilities and careers offering ample opportunities as well as adult students seeking career changes or the desire to update their skills.”
The construction of RAMTEC at CVCC is made possible by a $1.5 million grant from the state’s Straight A program. The Straight A program was introduced by Governor John Kasich as part of his biennium budget for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015. The program was designed to facilitate new ideas and practices in Ohio schools in order to meet all the needs of its students while achieving funding reductions and administrative overhead. That budget earmarked $100 million for grants.
“$1.1 million is earmarked for upgraded computerized numerical control equipment, a new 3-D printer, Motoman, VEX and FANUC robotic equipment, and Amotrol portable learning systems as well as other mobile training devices,” said Roebuck. The remainder will help subsidize instructor training, interior upgrades and supplies.
A VIP Dinner took place following the ribbon cutting, prepared and served by students in the CVCC Culinary Arts program. Speakers including Dr. Susan Zelman, Executive Director at the Ohio Department of Education and former State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Ethan Karp, CEO of MAGNET, and Mr. Jack Schron, President and CEO of Jergens and District 6 Representative for the Cuyahoga County Council.
After dinner, an Open House then took place, showcasing RAMTEC and affiliated CVCC programs, with a wide range of displays from business partners, including Allen-Bradley Rockwell Automation, Lincoln Electric, Buckeye Educational Systems, Parker-Hannifin, IST Ohio, MasterCAM/Fast Tech, Swagelok, eduFACTOR, and the GPD Group. These businesses highlighted not only their companies, but their connection between CVCC and the workforce.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer