Mid-Ohio Food Collective Launches Two New ReadySkill Pathways

Creating Opportunities for New Career Success

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) is launching two new sponsored certification programs at no cost to the learner through the ReadySkill platform. MOFC launched the ReadySkill initiative in September 2021 to remove barriers and provide support to underserved and low-income neighbors seeking education and better-paying careers. In early 2023, ReadySkill is offering two new free career Pathways in health care and sustainability open to residents of Central Ohio.

The ReadySkill platform is another innovation to address the root causes of hunger, building on MOFC’s ongoing work to co-create strategies that leverage technology and partnerships to build healthier, hunger-free communities. ReadySkill brings together educational and wrap-around services to address the unique needs of each learner so they can be successful.

ReadySkill puts learners at the center by meeting them where they are. ReadySkill is an easy-to-use platform designed to help users overcome barriers to education or career advancement. Users can access resources such as food, housing, health care, childcare and transportation. Career support, mentorship and job readiness resources are also provided to give learners the tools and confidence to pursue a new job after completing a Pathway program.

“At ReadySkill, we understand there’s a lot more to making the jump to a new career than just learning a new skill,” said Nick Davis, Chief Platform Officer at Mid-Ohio Food Collective. “With this streamlined platform and service, we bring together a team of instructors, coaches, advocates and social service providers to support you every step of the way.”

ReadySkill’s first pilot program, sponsored by Feeding America, concluded in Fall 2022 with 24 learners completing their certificates in Salesforce Administration or Tableau Data Analytics through Franklin University. Participants in the program received personalized career coaching and wraparound services from Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Jewish Family Services.

The new Medical Assistant Pathway, sponsored by Humana, provides an opportunity for 30 learners to earn a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential online through Franklin University and MedCerts. Learners are supported with wraparound and career services and have in-person clinical sessions to develop hands-on skills. Over the 36-week program beginning in late February, learners will build clinical skills & confidence to pursue a high-demand career as a Medical Assistant.

ReadySkill is also offering a Solar Installation Pathway sponsored by IGS Energy for 25 learners to earn a NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Associate Certification through Solar Energy International. This 18-week
program begins in March 2023 with online coursework, wraparound support, mentorship, and in-person skill-building opportunities to prepare participants for careers in the fast-growing sustainability industry.

ReadySkill is now accepting applications for these Pathways. No previous experience is required and both programs are free to learners. Participants must be 18 years or older, possess a high school degree or equivalent, live in Central Ohio and be authorized to work in the United States. For more information and to review the full eligibility requirements, visit www.readyskill.io.

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About Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) is the largest hunger relief organization in central and eastern Ohio. Through our five assets (the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Mid-Ohio Farm, Mid-Ohio Farmacy, Mid-Ohio Kitchen, and Mid-Ohio Market), MOFC addresses the root causes of hunger while working with more than 600 partner agencies in 20 counties to feed hundreds of thousands of hungry Ohioans every year. Learn how we’re co-creating hunger-free, healthier communities at www.mofc.org. 

ReadySkill is supported by The Ohio State University, Schmidt Futures, Columbus State Community College, Franklin University, Smart Columbus, the United Way, Microsoft, HSBC, Kroger, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, AT&T, Bread Financial, Safelite Autoglass, Columbus Urban League, Feeding America, Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, and Jewish Family Services.