Sparking creativity and innovation at Lake Campus

The Workforce Development and Business Enterprise Center at Wright State University–Lake Campus is a valued resource for employers throughout West Central Ohio.

For years, the Workforce Development and Business Enterprise Center (WDBEC) has provided talent development, continuing education, and small business development services. Offering a range of courses to improve computer, leadership, and technical skills, the center provides professional development opportunities and resources relevant to business and individual needs.

“The WDBEC provides lifelong learning opportunities for individuals to continue their education throughout their careers. We are an educational bridge between the university and our region,” said the center’s director, Tammy Eilerman.

Connecting students to career paths

The WDBEC partners with the Mercer County Educational Service Center and Auglaize County schools to offer a pre-apprenticeship program in manufacturing. High school seniors take classes through the WDBEC while attending their home school and working at a local manufacturer or business part time. Students can earn a certificate of pre-apprenticeship through ApprenticeOhio and the Certified Manufacturing Associate credential. The program is currently funded through a grant from the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership.

“It has made my career goals more achievable,” said Jay Schroeder, a participant in the pre-apprenticeship program. “Since I am able to work, I am learning and getting valuable experience to prepare myself for my future career.”

Teaching skills in advanced manufacturing

The WDBEC offers SkillsTrac, an advanced manufacturing program designed to help businesses, technicians, and students develop the skills they need to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated systems.

“With SkillsTrac, you choose only the sections you need, so you can develop the training that best suits you,” said Eilerman. “SkillsTrac combines online classes with hands-on labs, giving you the training you need without disrupting your work or school schedule.”

Training in cutting-edge technologies

Thanks to a RAPIDS (Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills) grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Lake Campus is becoming equipped for the needs of the future regional workforce.

 “We have invested in cutting-edge technologies — AI robotics, electric vehicle training, virtual welding, and advanced manufacturing systems — to ensure our community remains at the forefront of industry innovation,” said Eilerman. “This critical investment empowers us to expand our programs to meet the needs of the region’s businesses.”

WDBEC was also awarded a grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to offer courses in precision machining and computer numerical control.

“With this funding, we are able to offer courses at no cost to the participants,” said Eilerman. “We offer precision machining in the evenings, two nights a week, to both current students and community members.”

Helping small businesses flourish

The WDBEC has partnered with the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State College to offer small business advising at Lake Campus. For over 30 years, the Ohio Small Business Development Center has accelerated business growth, helped create jobs, and provided consulting to existing and new start-up businesses.

  The services provided range from free, one-on-one business advising to marketing strategy development to loan-packaging guidance.

Sparking creativity and innovation

The WDBEC also spearheaded the creation of LakerSpace, a hub where students and community members can transform ideas into tangible items. Equipped with a diverse array of tools and technologies ranging from 3D printers and laser cutters to sewing machines, the LakerSpace cultivates the spirit of creativity and problem-solving, enabling participants to develop new skills and bring their imaginative projects to life.

This article was originally published in the 2025 issue of the Wright State Magazine. Read more stories at wright.edu/magazine.