Workforce Management

OMA-Endorsed ISP Network Expands

The OMA is pleased to announce the expansion of the Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Network, adding four new ISP’s, and renewal of 15 additional endorsements.

The new endorsements expand the network to 75 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Endorsements reflect ISP alignment with strategic priorities outlined in the updated OMA Workforce Roadmap.

For a detailed list of all 19 OMA-Endorsed ISPs, along with their contact information and locations, please visit the OMA-Endorsed ISP Network Map and Directory. 4/17/2024

Training Investments Boost Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown announced that he has secured targeted funding for two Ohio colleges, Columbus State Community College and Stark State College, to enhance their training capabilities in critical sectors like semiconductor manufacturing.

This strategic investment is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers, ensuring Ohio remains at the forefront of manufacturing and workforce development.

OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) will play a pivotal role in collaborating with Ohio’s community colleges, helping to ensure training programs are finely tuned to the manufacturing sector’s evolving demands. 4/17/2024

Help Shape OMA’s Workforce Summit Agenda

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit serves as a key gathering for Ohio’s manufacturing community to convene, exchange ideas, and uncover new strategies for workforce development. Members are invited to share insights and preferences for content and speakers at this year’s seventh annual workforce summit, slated for November 14, 2024, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Share your feedback through our survey here. 4/11/2024

MAGNET Receives National Recognition

OMA partner and associate member, The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET), has been honored as the 2024 Employer of the Year by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). This award will be presented at the NAWDP’s 40th Annual Workforce Conference on May 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.

This award recognizes MAGNET’s significant contributions as well as those of their OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership, Workforce Connect, in supporting both the community and the manufacturing sector at large. 4/11/2024

Reshoring and Workforce Development: A Strategic Approach

The success of reshoring efforts increasingly depends on having a skilled workforce. This article from JobsOhio highlights the vital role of workforce development in the shift back to American manufacturing.

For manufacturers, understanding and investing in workforce capabilities are as critical as the physical infrastructure and financial incentives that support reshoring. 4/11/2024

OMA’s Untapped Talent Training Series

The OMA is still offering opportunities for manufacturers and ISPs to engage with the Untapped Talent Training Series, aimed at optimizing recruitment and retention.

• Choose from the Fixed Group format, ideal for company teams, focusing on justice-impacted individuals and people of color with spots available until their next April sessions
• Or explore broader themes in the Open Forum series, accessible to an unlimited audience, featuring upcoming sessions on military culture and fair chance background screening in April

Discover more and sign up on our Training Series webpage. 4/04/2024

Leverage Ohio Technical Centers for Your Manufacturing Workforce

Manufacturers can discover how Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) can help support their workforce development strategy by joining their webinar on April 9, 2024. The discussion will feature insights from four OTC directors from across Ohio, showcasing training opportunities and OTCs impact on career and technical education. Additionally, participating manufacturers will:

• Gain firsthand perspectives on the evolution of technical education and its direct benefits to the manufacturing sector;
• Explore the comprehensive network of OTC programs, from hands-on training that aligns with industry needs to strategic partnerships fostering workforce readiness; and
• Participate in a live Q&A with OTC leaders to address your specific workforce challenges and opportunities

Even if manufacturers cannot join live, still register to receive the recorded session.

Learn more and register here. 4/04/2024

JFF Launches Workforce Campaign for Economic Opportunity

Jobs for the Future (JFF) has released recommendations for federal and state policymakers to focus on eliminating barriers to economic and workforce opportunity. JFF advocates for a shift towards policies that support seamless career pathways, recognize diverse skills and competencies, and facilitate choices that advance both career and family life.

Their “No Dead Ends” initiative outlines a vision for an integrated earn-and-learn ecosystem, addressing the needs of learners and workers at risk of being sidelined by economic and technological changes. Click here to learn more about these workforce policy recommendations. 4/04/2024

DOE Launches Workforce Strategy for Lithium-Battery Manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a national workforce development initiative for lithium-battery manufacturing, led by the US Department of Labor (DOL). With a $5 million investment, the strategy aims to launch pilot training programs and foster partnerships between industry and labor.

Additionally, the DOE and DOL have unveiled the Battery Workforce Initiative (BWI)’s National Guideline Standards for registered apprenticeships for battery machine operators, setting a foundation for training in this rapidly expanding sector. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to secure a sustainable, domestic supply of critical minerals like lithium and emphasizes the creation of skilled jobs. 4/04/2024

OMA Showcases Ohio Successes in Washington D.C.

Last week in Washington D.C., OMA staff presented at the Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) Community of Practice Annual Convening. This event, hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the National Association of Workforce Boards, and Jobs for the Future, convened 32 grantees from across the nation for an exchange on bolstering state and regional workforce training systems.

The OMA highlighted Ohio’s Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), which have set a national benchmark for collaboration and innovation. New Growth Group, working with the OMA, emphasized data’s role in ISP success. Additionally, the OMA’s Ken Poland and Beth Hahn led a panel discussion on ISP network development and expansion.

3/21/2024