Butler Tech’s Business Advisory Council (BAC) convened with more than 85 regional business and community leaders, highlighting how education and industry can work together to build Ohio’s future workforce.
Hosted in the Mechatronics Lab at D. Russell Lee Campus, the meeting gave partners from manufacturers and healthcare providers to higher education and government a firsthand look at Butler Tech’s innovative programs. Student-led tours demonstrated the district’s approach to combining rigorous academics with real-world skills in fields like robotics, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Adding statewide perspective to the discussion, Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel participated in the meeting and toured labs alongside Butler Tech, Miami University Regionals, JobsOhio, and local officials. Tressel praised Butler Tech’s “educational revolution,” emphasizing that Ohio has “more opportunity now than we’ve had in decades” and calling for all sectors to help “make sure we execute and are successful with all of this opportunity coming to our state.” He highlighted urgent workforce needs, such as 18,000 welders across Ohio, and stressed the importance of teaching timeless skills like teamwork, curiosity, and communication.
Throughout the morning, students led hands-on demonstrations, fielded questions, and shared their career aspirations. Tressel noted their curiosity and confidence, observing that at every station “the first question was, ‘Tell me what you know about this,’ and then they said the same thing to me.”
The gathering also spotlighted Butler Tech’s upcoming Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AM Hub), which will open in early 2026 with Miami University Regionals. The hub will expand cutting-edge training opportunities in robotics, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, key drivers for Ohio’s economic growth.
Reflecting after the event, Marni Durham, Executive Director of Workforce Services, said, “Today showed exactly why Butler Tech partners with private and public entities to influence the wealth and health of our communities. Seeing Lt. Governor Tressel and so many industry leaders engage directly with our students reinforces that we are transforming education and preparing Ohio’s next generation of talent.”
As Butler Tech celebrates 50 years of transforming education, Superintendent William Sprankles thanked business and community partners for helping students graduate career-ready and college-prepared. “This gathering showcases the strength of our public-private partnerships and the incredible talent pipeline we are building together,” he said.
