InnoSkilling Workforce Development Program
Central Ohio companies InnoSource and Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) team up with Otterbein University to ensure new hires have the skills they need to succeed
COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 25, 2024) — Three central Ohio organizations have collaborated to create a new innovative workforce development program that combines customized job training with higher-education accreditation.
The program is called “InnoSkilling” and was designed by InnoSource, Inc., a leading HR staffing and solutions organization, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE: WMS), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and on-site septic wastewater industries, and the Coalition for the Common Good, a national system of private not-for-profit universities built around shared graduate and adult-learner programs, cofounded by Otterbein University in Westerville and Antioch University with campuses in California, New Hampshire, Ohio and Washington. The program was designed to help train individuals to fill open positions at ADS.
“We have seen how important it is to hire the right people and that starts with ensuring they are equipped from day one,” said Scott Barbour, president and chief executive officer at ADS. “This first group is small, but that’s where big ideas start. And the success we’ve seen so far shows this can work.”
To date, seven individuals have graduated, and thanks to this program, now have the skills they need to grow and succeed at ADS.
Chad Delligatti, chief executive officer of InnoSource, said the program became reality in part because the central Ohio business and education communities were willing to work together for a common goal: training people to successfully fill open positions. “This program is foundational to InnoSource and what we do,” Delligatti said. “We’re a company that solves workforce challenges and we have a long history of helping companies minimize turnover. Part of that is making sure new hires have the skills they need before they walk into a new job. Because of ADS and the Coalition and the great partnership our three teams have established, that’s exactly what this program does.”
Patrick Coyle, senior vice president of supply chain at ADS, called the program “transformative,” noting that graduates of the program are ready on their first day. “This program has fostered strong relationships among our new employees, which has led to better communication, mutual support and effective collaboration,” Coyle said. “Overall, we are extremely satisfied with the outcomes.”
Labor shortages across the country are disrupting business and making it challenging for companies to achieve their goals. A July 2024 U.S. Chamber of Commerce report showed 8.1 million job openings, but only 6.8 million unemployed workers.
“To address workforce shortages, we need to think creatively, and partnering with new and interesting organizations is creativity in action,” said Otterbein President Dr. John Comerford. “This unique pilot program is an opportunity to leverage those partnerships for a greater good: getting qualified people into good jobs. Being able to introduce InnoSource to our friends at Antioch was a great opportunity for everyone. I am looking forward to seeing how this program grows in the future.”
About InnoSource
InnoSource, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, operates nationally. Founded in 1999, and privately owned, InnoSource provides innovative solutions to address complex human resources and staffing needs for clients that range from Fortune 100 companies to small businesses to state and local governments. InnoSource’s expertise is in customized HR solutions including recruiting, contract staffing, back-end human resources, IT services and data. To learn more, visit the company website at www.innosource.com.
About Advanced Drainage Systems
Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative stormwater and on-site septic wastewater solutions that manages the world’s most precious resource: water. ADS and its subsidiary, Infiltrator Water Technologies, provide superior stormwater drainage and on-site septic wastewater products used in a wide variety of markets and applications including commercial, residential, infrastructure and agriculture, while delivering unparalleled customer service. ADS manages the industry’s largest company-owned fleet, an expansive sales team, and a vast manufacturing network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers. The company is one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year. Founded in 1966, ADS’ water management solutions are designed to last for decades. To learn more, visit the company’s website at www.adspipe.com.
About the Coalition for the Common Good
The Coalition for the Common Good, cofounded by Antioch University and Otterbein University is the first national higher-education system of affiliated universities organized around a shared mission of educating students not only to advance their careers, but also promote the common good, democracy and social, racial and environmental justice. Unbound by geography, the Coalition for the Common Good will use the combined resources of the member institutions to develop and deliver targeted educational and professional development programs that meet unique requirements of our communities through academic partnerships with local businesses and employers. Built on the faculty expertise of both institutions, the Coalition combines members’ graduate programs to form a graduate division with a national scope, operated by Antioch University. The innovative structure of the system allows Otterbein and future member institutions to keep their distinctive undergraduate programs and brand identities, while benefiting from the scale of the national graduate division. The new system is much more than just a solution for the workforce development needs of the region and nation. It is about education for a more just society. For more information, visit www.otterbein.edu and www.antioch.edu.