JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A new program at the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School will help young people get started on an upwardly mobile career in the health care industry.

Healthcare Occupations Training (H.O.T.) Opportunities Program will select 50 young people lacking high school diplomas in four counties who are interested in and able to become employed in entry-level health care positions. The program will provide training to young adults in Ashtabula, Geauga, Portage and Lake counties. The program is being funded through the Governor’s Discretionary Grant for Innovative Youth Programs.

“We are very pleased to be chosen,” said Christina Ray, ACJVS director of workforce development. “This is a great opportunity to meet the needs of employers, as well as the needs of youth, in all four counties.”

The entry-level positions will provide access to the health care employment ladder, which means even greater opportunities for participants interested in upwardly mobile occupations, Ray said.

ACJVS will work with local and regional health care trainers, like long-term nursing facilities and the American Red Cross, to offer training leading to employment as state-tested nurse assistants. The program also will offer training in phlebotomy and electrocardiography, said Scott Nevel, program coordinator.

“The program starts them on the ladder to other levels,” he said. “It starts a career path.”

ACJVS also will partner with other educational facilities that offer appropriate training for individuals as determined by their career interests, aptitudes and local employment needs, Ray said. All training and placement must be completed prior to the end of the program in June 2009.

“Our goal is to get everyone trained and on the job by the end of January 2009,” she said.

Young adults who are at least 17 years old and have not reached their 22nd birthday can apply for the program. Ray said the ideal candidates will be those who do not have a high school diploma or their general equivalency diploma, but there are openings for other youths, as well.

“Anyone with an interest in this type of work should apply,” she said.

An open house will be held 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at The Job Source in Ashtabula. Donna Sallee, director of human resources at the Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, will be the guest speaker. Refreshments will be served.

Although the starting date and program cost, if any, are unknown at this time, interested individuals seeking further information can call (440) 994-2509 or send e-mail to hotopportunities@yahoo. com.