Workforce Management

OMA Hosts Joint Workforce Committee

On Oct. 30, the OMA’s Joint Workforce Committee met to review current efforts to grow and enhance Ohio’s manufacturing talent pool. Led by Scot McLemore — manager of talent acquisition and deployment at Honda North America — the meeting brought together members of OMA’s Workforce Leadership Committee, regional industry sector partnership leaders, and key personnel from state government.

The prevailing theme of the meeting was the systems change taking place in the way Ohio builds its manufacturing workforce. This is being done through several initiatives, including expanded use of industry recognized credentials and “learn and earn” programs. To ensure the success of this effort, Ohio’s manufacturers must get involved with their local sector partnership. To get involved, email workforce@ohiomfg.com. 10/30/2019

Reminder: National Apprenticeship Week is Nov. 11-17

National Apprenticeship Week is Nov. 11-17. Intended to bring together leaders in business, labor, education and other fields to showcase the positive impact that apprenticeships have on addressing the skills gap, this event gives manufacturers another opportunity to host an event — such as an apprenticeship graduation, open house or career fair. Register your event today. 10/31/2019

Ohio’s Unemployment by County

In September, Ohio’s overall jobless rate was 4.2%, but unemployment varied significantly among the 88 counties. According to the monthly map published by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, Monroe County had the state’s highest estimated unemployment rate at 6.9%, followed by Meigs County at 6.2%. Meanwhile, Mercer County claimed the lowest rate at 2.8%. Auglaize, Putnam, Wyandot, Hancock, and Holmes counties were also under 3.4%. See county-by-county details here. 10/30/2019

OMA Hosts Automation and Robotics Meeting

This week, the OMA hosted a high energy meeting of industry experts to discuss the role of automation and robotics as key drivers of Ohio’s economy and industrial base. This subject has captured the attention of the DeWine-Husted administration, especially in its workforce development efforts.

The OMA has worked to establish a process to engage automation and robotics leadership — including equipment manufacturers and manufacturers who are their customers — to develop best practices and identify potential strategies that can accelerate the adoption of these technologies in Ohio. 10/24/2019

Takeaways from Ohio’s Latest Unemployment Report

It was reported late last week that Ohio lost 1,500 jobs in September as the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2%, up from 4.1% in August. This as the U.S. jobless rate fell to 3.5%. Key points from the latest unemployment report include:

• Ohio was just one of four states in which the unemployment rate increased.
• The most job losses were state government (-1,800), construction (-1,700), and manufacturing (-1,400). Manufacturing still supplies more than 700,000 jobs in Ohio.
• There were 243,000 unemployed individuals across Ohio. (Of course, the unemployment rate is different from Ohio’s labor force participation rate.)

Despite the uptick, the state’s September unemployment rate was still better than the 4.6% from a year earlier. 10/21/2019

Thursday Marks Deadline for Employers to Apply for Training Reimbursement Through TechCred

Ohio manufacturers have until this Thursday, Oct. 31, to apply for the state’s new TechCred program, which reimburses employers up to $2,000 for each current or new employee who earns an industry-recognized, technology-focused credential. Employers can receive up to a total of $30,000 per funding round. This is the first round under TechCred.

On a related note, remember that manufacturers who hire interns through the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) High School Internship Program can be reimbursed 50% of student wages — up to a maximum of $1,500 per student. Funding is available through Sept. 30, 2020 or until funds are expended, whichever comes first. 10/23/2019

Employers Seeking Reimbursement Through TechCred Must Apply by Oct. 31

Ohio manufacturers have until the end of this month to apply for the new, innovative TechCred program, which reimburses employers up to $2,000 for each current or new employee who earns an industry-recognized, technology-focused credential. Employers can receive up to a total of $30,000 per funding round. This is the first round under the program.

Boosting Ohio’s manufacturing talent pool is a key objective of the program, so OMA members are encouraged to apply. See this summary. 10/17/2019

New Data: Workforce Situation Not Improving

U.S. Chamber analysis of new government data shows that as of August, there was barely one available worker for every job opening in America. The total of 7.77 million available workers compared to 7.03 million job openings. By industry, the largest number of job openings were in the trade, transportation and utilities sector. The manufacturing sector had 384,000 openings in August.

In 39 states, there are more jobs than people looking. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, as of June 2019, Ohio had 0.8 unemployed people for every job opening. That’s compared to 6.7 unemployed workers for every opening a decade earlier. 10/15/2019

Degree Program Aims to Produce More Manufacturing Engineering Technologists

The Ohio State University has announced it will soon offer a degree program aimed at producing highly skilled college graduates with broad training in manufacturing engineering technology who are prepared for plant management roles. OSU’s bachelor of science in engineering technology with a concentration in manufacturing will be offered beginning in autumn 2020 at the Lima, Mansfield, and Marion campuses, and tentatively is set to begin on the Newark campus in autumn 2023. 10/14/2019

At a Glance: Ohio TechNet

Ohio TechNet is a consortium that includes Ohio colleges and universities, working closely with manufacturers and government agencies — as well as workforce, education, and community partners — to address the state’s manufacturing workforce challenge.

A key partner in the OMA’s effort to boost Ohio’s manufacturing talent supply, Ohio TechNet is, among other things, helping lead the charge to expand registered apprenticeship programs and other “earn-and-learn” models that align with Ohio’s most in-demand credentials and careers. If your company would like to play a more active role in this statewide consortium, visit this site or email Ohio TechNet. 10/15/2019