Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Inside AWT’s Mission to Transform Manufacturing in Northeast Ohio

Manufacturing has always been about solving problems, and in Lake County, Ohio, a group of local manufacturers came together to solve one of the biggest ones they faced: building a strong workforce pipeline. From that collaboration, the Alliance for Working Together (AWT) was born.

Today, AWT is helping thousands of students and adults discover rewarding careers in manufacturing while giving companies the skilled workers they need to thrive. The Executive Director, Teresa Simons, recently sat down with us to share how the organization is reshaping the future of manufacturing in the region.

From Grassroots to Regional Impact

AWT was founded by manufacturers, for manufacturers. Industry leaders like Roger Sostar of Fredon Corporation recognized years ago that while their teams were skilled and dedicated, retirements were looming. They needed to act. By meeting weekly to share ideas, local business owners created AWT with a mission: to inspire young people, retain talent, and prepare for the future.

That mission has grown into a powerhouse of programming that now touches over 23,000 students and 500 adults each year across Northeast Ohio.

RoboBots: Where Careers Begin with Sparks and Steel

One of AWT’s most exciting programs is RoboBots, a student battle bot competition. Each year, middle and high school students collaborate with local manufacturers to design, build, and battle their robots.

What started 15 years ago with high school teams has expanded to include middle school competitors. Students learn machining, engineering, and driving skills, as well as social skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and documentation, which carry far beyond the arena.

The competition showcases more than technical skill, it also reveals compassion and true sportsmanship. In one unforgettable year, a rival team gave Beaumont High School extra time to repair their bot, only to be defeated by them minutes later. Rather than feeling bitter, both teams walked away with a deeper understanding of true competition and camaraderie.

The Transformation Center: A Hub for Innovation

In 2022, AWT opened its Transformation Center, a 12,600-square-foot facility in Mentor, Ohio. Primarily funded by manufacturers and community partners, the center serves as a hub for workforce development.

The building itself reflects modern manufacturing: open, flexible, and high-tech. Visitors find cobots, 3D printers, CNC equipment, and a bustling makerspace. It’s a place where students of all ages can see what manufacturing really looks like today—clean, innovative, and full of opportunity.

Building the Pipeline: K through Gray

AWT’s approach to workforce development is holistic, stretching from preschool to adults looking for new careers.

• Youth Programs: From Pre-K classroom visits and STEM summer camps to large-scale manufacturing expos, AWT makes manufacturing accessible and exciting. Kids build robots, create projects like stained glass snowflakes or LED signs, and tour high-tech facilities.
• Adult Training: Through its WorkAdvance program, AWT provides free hands-on bootcamps that cover blueprint reading, shop math, machining basics, and career readiness. Participants graduate with practical skills, polished resumes, and direct interviews with local manufacturers.
• Apprenticeships: AWT’s registered apprenticeship programs span four years and blend classroom learning, online training, and hands-on mentoring. Apprentices gain raises yearly, graduate with journeyman credentials, and often circle back as instructors.

These efforts have opened doors for justice-impacted individuals, parents reentering the workforce, and people recovering from addiction. For many, this isn’t a “second chance,” it’s the first real opportunity at a sustainable career.

By the Numbers

In 2024, AWT’s impact spoke volumes:

• 23,000+ students reached across 12 counties
• 500+ adults trained in apprenticeship and workforce programs
• Exceeded federal grant goals by more than 100 participants, with funding now extended through 2026

Looking Ahead

With just four full-time staff and a network of dedicated contractors and volunteers, AWT continues to punch far above its weight. Its combination of grassroots collaboration, cutting-edge training, and genuine community spirit is setting the stage for a stronger, smarter manufacturing workforce in Northeast Ohio.

As Simons put it, AWT’s mission is simple but powerful: “Connect people with rewarding careers in manufacturing while helping companies find the talent they need.”

And from the roar of RoBobots to the quiet victories of adult learners landing their first career job, that mission is alive and well.

Catch the whole conversation with Simons on the latest episode of Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow.