ZANESVILLE − The Ohio Department of Public Safety recently approved the Muskingum Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (MOVESC) driving school, clearing the way for driver education programs across the region in 14 districts.
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC), in collaboration with the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (OVESC), developed and implemented the program to meet a need expressed by the districts, as well as to address a significant barrier to student employment.
“This program is a huge win for our communities as students and families will have a quality affordable option for driver’s education delivered by trusted community and school personnel,” said Justin Denius, director of Workforce Development, MVESC.
Students in four area counties don’t have access to driver education instruction even from private vendors, and in other cases, vendors have long waiting lists. “Some students from our area are traveling as far as Columbus to access driver education programs,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, superintendent, MVESC. “This initiative is critically important to our students’ futures, and we are excited to work collaboratively with OVESC to make driver education available at area school districts,” she added.
Information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows having a valid driver’s license is considered a key soft skill in multiple industry sectors. The need for employees to have a driver’s license showed the highest percentage increases in job postings from 2017 to 2021 in the information technology (171%), business and administrative services (178%) and health sciences (294%) business sectors.
According to a recent survey of 700 teens by Aceable, a Texas-based provider of online licensing, 71% of teens that had completed driver’s education have a job, while only 19% of those who had not completed driver’s education have a job. Further, the survey showed 58% of teens who haven’t completed driver’s education would like to get a job.
MVESC is now actively hiring part-time driver education instructors for 14 districts in eight counties, and they include Coshocton, Hocking, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry and Washington. Driving instruction can be provided during the day, evening, or weekends. MVESC is paying $25 per hour for in-vehicle instruction. For more information email Denius at justin.denius@mvesc.org or call 740-452-4518.
Contributed by Muskingum Ohio Valley Educational Service Center.
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