February 4, 2026
A three-day New Hire Onboarding Event for SealTite employees in Highland County demonstrated the powerful impact of strategic collaboration among Future Plans, BESTOhio, and Shawnee State University. What began as an effort to better prepare new employees quickly evolved into a model for how organizations can work together to strengthen not only the business but also the entire ecosystem surrounding it—students, employers, educators, workforce partners, and the broader community.
A Unified Approach to Workforce Development
By combining each partner’s expertise, the event delivered far more than a traditional onboarding experience.
- Future Plans contributed data-driven career assessment, individualized coaching, and alignment to in-demand career pathways.
- BESTOhio infused economic development insights and regional workforce strategy.
- Shawnee State University supported the educational component by providing academic resources and training capacity.
- SealTite offered real-world application, leadership access, and a welcoming company culture for new employees.
Together, these organizations formed an integrated support system that helped new hires envision a long-term future in the region’s workforce—critical to both economic resilience and community stability.
👉 If you are interested in talking to the Future Plans team about setting up a similar training for your organization, go to: https://futureplans.org/contact…and ask for your inquiry to be forwarded to Meagan Wood.
Impact Beyond the Workplace
The benefits extended far outside the walls of SealTite.
For businesses:
Local employers gain a stronger, more skilled talent pipeline grounded in consistent assessment, coaching, and training. This reduces turnover, improves productivity, and strengthens industry competitiveness.
For students and educators:
The involvement of Future Plans and BESTOhio aligned the onboarding experience with ongoing career pathways work happening in local schools. Students see real examples of how skills translate into stable employment, while educators gain insight into the workforce needs of regional employers.
For employees:
Employees also gain confidence knowing they have access to clear, supported pathways into meaningful careers. A stable job means increased financial security, reduced stress, and greater opportunity—improving an individual’s overall well-being.
For the community:
When institutions collaborate rather than operate independently, the entire region benefits. Workforce shortages are reduced, individuals, especially young ones, are more likely to stay local, and businesses remain competitive and rooted in the community.
Strengthening Skills That Lift an Entire Region
During the event, new hires completed the Future Plans 5-Step process, which provided personalized guidance and highlighted their career strengths and growth opportunities. They also earned their Six Sigma White Belt certification—a foundational credential that supports continuous improvement, quality control, and operational excellence. These skills are not just beneficial to Seal-Tite; they also elevate the overall quality and capabilities of the regional workforce.
A Model of What Partnership Can Accomplish
The onboarding event demonstrated that when education, economic development, coaching organizations, and industry partners work hand in hand, the result is far more impactful than any organization could achieve on its own. By aligning resources, expertise, and shared goals, the partnership delivered a holistic experience that uplifted individuals and strengthened the community’s long-term workforce capacity.
This initiative showcases what is possible when organizations look beyond their individual missions and unite around a common purpose: empowering people, building stronger businesses, and creating thriving communities.
