Apollo opens $10 million public safety training center

Apollo Career Center has unveiled a new public safety training center in Shawnee Township. The facility cost over $10 million to build, with funding coming from various sources. Half was from Apollo's own funds, and the rest included state funding and capital dollars. In 2022, Apollo secured about $2.5 million in state capital dollars, and then an additional $2.9 million was awarded to expand career tech education a year later. The training center covers 28,000 square feet and includes three separate bays. It aims to prepare students for careers in public safety, commercial driving, and HVAC, as well as training future firefighters and police officers. The center will offer a range of courses related to the criminal justice system and police practices. Students can earn certifications in telecommunications dispatch, enabling them to start careers in that field right after completing their training. Apollo Career Center is also emphasizing physical fitness for students by preparing them for the requirements of the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council. Superintendent Keith Horner highlighted the growing need for career tech education given current workforce challenges. Apollo has seen significant growth, increasing its student enrollment by around 40 percent over the past decade.