Workforce

This fall, the Workforce Partnership of Putnam County (WPPC), an OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP), is launching a new initiative to introduce high school students to careers in manufacturing. Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, WorkAdvance will be offered as a one-credit elective across all nine Putnam County public high schools, at no cost to students or schools. The program, funded by the Good Jobs Challenge grant, includes online soft skills training, technical instruction and lab sessions, 12 months of career coaching, and industry engagement opportunities.

After graduating two successful WorkAdvance cohorts, with all participants securing employment, WPPC faced ongoing recruitment challenges, which prompted them to collaborate with the Putnam County Educational Service Center and local guidance counselors. Inspired by the offering of elective-based agricultural certifications in schools, WPPC is adapting WorkAdvance to the classroom setting, making it more accessible and appealing to students.

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration between industry and education that keeps our region competitive, and it came simply by asking the experts (the counselors) how WorkAdvance training could be more appealing to students,” said WPPC director Karl Schimmoeller. “We’re not just building awareness—we’re building the next generation of our workforce.”

The elective offers pre-apprenticeship credit, CMfgA certification, and spring semester work-release opportunities to help students build job-ready skills and explore local manufacturing careers. With the support of the WPPC board, made up of seven manufacturers, two superintendents, and a career tech director, this initiative aims to build a reliable talent pipeline that strengthens the region’s future workforce. 5/28/25

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel announced a record-breaking month for Ohio’s TechCred program, with 651 employers awarded in the March TechCred application period. These awards will provide an opportunity for Ohioans to earn 8,830 tech-focused credentials, setting new benchmarks for both participation and credential attainment.

Manufacturing leads among the top industries funded, alongside educational services and construction. The data underscores the program’s broad utility across sectors, and its growing role in upskilling employees for Ohio’s evolving, tech-infused economy.

Businesses of all sizes are eligible to receive up to $30,000 per round and up to $180,000 per year to train current and prospective employees. The May application period closes on May 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Employers and training providers can learn more and apply at TechCred.Ohio.gov. 5/15/2025

As part of a statewide listening-and-learning tour, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited Lorain County Community College (LCCC) on Monday to discuss regional workforce challenges and strengths with local leaders.

The roundtable featured LCCC partners, including district superintendents, education administrators, the college’s board of trustees, organizations, businesses and Midview High School students, who provided input for the Ohio Workforce Playbook – a roadmap to help strengthen the talent pipeline for Ohioans, ensuring they are more prepared for high-demand careers.

During his tour, Tressel emphasized the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs to ensure a skilled workforce for Ohio’s growing economy. He highlighted LCCC’s efforts in developing programs that equip students with relevant skills, particularly in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.

Tressel’s visit underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a workforce prepared to meet the evolving demands of Ohio’s industries. 5/19/2025

Manufacturers from across Ohio convened for the first Workforce Committee meeting, kicking off a coordinated effort to tackle the state’s most pressing talent challenges. Lt. Governor Jim Tressel joined to outline Ohio’s strategic vision for workforce development and the critical role manufacturers play in shaping it.

Jessica Voltolini, Chief of Staff with Ohio Education and Workforce (ODEW) office, shared efforts to better align education and workforce initiatives – ensuring students are prepared for in-demand roles in manufacturing and beyond.

The committee also explored 2025 workforce priorities informed by insights from manufacturers and OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), and received a timely update on workforce-related proposals in the state budget, key advocacy efforts, and the legislative timeline ahead.

Don’t miss the next Workforce Committee meeting on Thursday, September 25 – register today to stay engaged and help drive Ohio’s manufacturing talent strategy forward. 5/15/2025

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey announced last week that more high school students will now be able to take College Credit Plus (CCP) classes and earn free college credit to pursue careers in critical industries.

ODHE recently implemented the Statewide Innovative Waiver that eliminates barriers that had prevented some students’ participation in the CCP program. The waiver is designed to provide more students with pathways to earn an industry-recognized credential or certificate tied to high-demand career fields including advanced manufacturing.

The OMA lauded the expansion in a statement, highlighting that the expansion is critical for manufacturers.

“This expands Ohio’s talent pipelines for strategically important industries including manufacturing,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Manufacturers across Ohio stand ready to welcome additional graduates of manufacturing tech programs to the workforce.” 5/15/2025

In keynote remarks during an In-Demand Jobs Week event at Youngstown State University, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel delivered a charge that Ohio manufacturers will recognize as both timely and tactical.

Tressel urged attendees to not only create workforce exposure opportunities for students but to measure outcomes, make connections, and bring talent into Ohio’s manufacturing pipeline.

He praised initiatives that introduce students as young as elementary school to advanced manufacturing, emphasizing how youth exposure leads to awareness, interest, and potential entry into industry pathways. He credited workforce leaders like the OMA’s Jessica Borza for laying the groundwork for talent development.

“We’ve got a lot of things in place,” Tressel said. “Now, we’ve got to close the deal to get them involved in the business and industry that we need right here in this region.” 5/6/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is honored to welcome Lt. Governor Jim Tressel as a special guest at its upcoming Workforce Committee meeting on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OMA offices. A Zoom option is available for remote participants.

As Ohio’s leading voice on workforce development, Lt. Governor Tressel will share the state’s vision and strategy for building a talent-ready workforce while hearing directly from manufacturers and partners about the impact of their programs on local communities.

A networking lunch will follow the meeting from 12 to 1 p.m. Manufacturers are strongly encouraged to register and take part in this high-impact dialogue with Lt. Governor Tressel and industry peers. 5/6/2025

On Saturday, May 10, the nation’s top high school combat robotics teams will face off at the NRL Nationals, hosted at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ohio. Organized by Xtreme STEM, the event will showcase 50 of the best 15-pound combat robots built and driven by students eager to test their engineering skills in a thrilling, real-world competition.

Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with matches beginning at 8:00 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public, offering families, educators, and industry professionals a front-row seat to the future of advanced manufacturing and STEM education.

The NRL Nationals seek to inspire the next generation of innovators, providing students with hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to high-demand careers. Additional event details and updates can be found on the NRL Nationals webpage. 5/6/2025

Jessica Borza, OMA’s managing director of workforce services, recently participated in a featured panel at the OhioTechNet’s 10-year anniversary event, celebrating a decade of workforce advancement in manufacturing and technology sectors.

The panel, “10 Years of Workforce Innovation,” highlighted the leadership and collaboration in developing earn-and-learn models, forming strategic industry-education partnerships, and aligning training with workforce demands.

Joining Jessica were Courtney Tenhover from Lorain County Community College and OhioTechNet, Jeff Miller from Sinclair College, and John Agostinelli from Amherst Exempted Village Schools. Together, they underscored the power of collaboration in building resilient, future-ready workforce systems.

For manufacturers, the message is clear: sustained engagement with workforce partners isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential to meeting Ohio’s industrial talent needs for the next decade and beyond. 4/30/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) and OhioTechNet, on behalf of the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership, have launched efforts to develop a statewide K-12 manufacturing engagement playbook. The initiative involves cataloging existing resources, aligning these tools with Ohio’s Career Connections Framework, and identifying recommendations for a statewide K-12 alignment strategy in manufacturing.

To gather regional insights, OMA and OhioTechNet are partnering with the Digital Transformation Center at UDRI and the Montgomery County ESC to host listening sessions. The first, held April 17 in Northwest Ohio by the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance (NOMA), brought together educators, manufacturers, higher ed, workforce organizations, and MEP partners. The effort builds on tools in the MakingOhio career exploration toolkit, including the In-Demand Manufacturing Career Pathways Hotcards, that help students and families explore high-demand manufacturing careers in a clear, engaging format. 4/30/2025

The Ohio State University is offering Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) boot camps to help build the next generation of talent in casting and forging.

Guided by industry and faculty experts, these weeklong programs provide hands-on training in metalcasting and forging. Participants will engage in mold making, casting design, metallurgy, heat treatment, and post-processing techniques to equip them with the practical skills essential for careers in the metallurgy field.

Learn more about the METAL boot camp summer schedule and how the graduating participants can benefit your company. 4/30/2025

Workforce development remains a top priority in Ohio, and it’s essential for manufacturers to stay informed on the issues shaping the industry. The OMA will hold its first Workforce Committee meeting of the year on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OMA offices. A Zoom option is available for those joining remotely.

The meeting will explore 2025 workforce priorities with insights from manufacturers and OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs). Attendees will gain key takeaways from the state budget, including major workforce investment proposals, advocacy updates, and the legislative timeline.

A networking lunch will follow the business meeting from noon – 1 p.m. Manufacturers are encouraged to register to participate in these important discussions. 4/22/2025

Mark your calendars for the eighth annual Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit on Thursday, November 6, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. This premier event brings together manufacturers, educators, and workforce leaders to explore solutions to Ohio’s talent challenges.

With the theme “Forging the Future: Building Talent Pipelines for Manufacturing Success,” the Summit will spotlight collaborative, employer-led strategies driving workforce development across the state.

To help shape this year’s agenda, OMA invites manufacturers to submit proposals for breakout sessions. This is your chance to showcase strategies, best practices, and innovative workforce solutions that are making an impact. Each session will be 75 minutes, concluding with audience Q&A.

Submit your proposal by May 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. A review committee will evaluate all qualified proposals, with selected presenters notified by June 27. Please reach out to Mary Voigt with any questions. 4/22/2025

MAGNET and Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County will co-present a free forum, Manufacturers’ Operational and Energy Efficiency, on Wednesday, May 7, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

The event features MAGNET subject matter experts and local manufacturers discussing how operational improvements, energy efficiency, and leadership strategies can impact the bottom line. Local economic development and civic leaders will also speak.

Manufacturers in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties will learn about ARC ARISE funding and a current energy efficiency grant available in the region. Registration is limited, so manufacturers are encouraged to register soon.

MAGNET is part of Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, which supports manufacturers with expert guidance and resources. MEP funding is currently at risk in the proposed federal budget cuts. Manufacturers supportive of MEP can contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to contact the U.S. Department of Commerce to restore MEP funding! 4/15/2025

The OMA and its endorsed industry sector partnerships (ISPs) played a central role in securing $8 million in Super RAPIDS grants by coordinating regional efforts to invest in equipment that supports in-demand manufacturing training.

Working closely with schools, manufacturers, and economic development partners, the OMA and ISPs helped shape equipment project proposals that directly align with regional workforce needs. ISP and OMA representatives guided schools through the proposal process, using the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model both to identify manufacturers’ priority skill needs and to design equipment projects that build those competencies. 4/15/2025

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, and ODHE Chancellor Duffey announced that $8 million was awarded in the latest round of Super RAPIDS grants to 39 universities, community colleges, and career technical centers across Ohio. The RAPIDS program provides funding to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for students in education and training programs tailored to regional workforce needs.

Awardees use this funding to update equipment and enhance training opportunities for over 6,600 students, preparing them for careers in Ohio’s expanding manufacturing industries.

“We’re seeing historic investments in Ohio that are creating thousands of new jobs, and we need a workforce ready to step into those opportunities,” said Governor DeWine. “This Super RAPIDS funding will ensure students are training on the same state-of-the-art equipment they’ll use on the job, giving them a direct path to these careers.

Manufacturers are encouraged to connect with awardees receiving RAPIDS funds to help shape training programs and develop a skilled talent pipeline. View the full recipient list and learn more about how this funding supports workforce development in Ohio’s manufacturing sector. 4/9/2025

Hiring a skilled and available workforce is a top priority for Ohio manufacturers – and Fair Chance Employment can help. The revamped Untapped Talent Tools library now features 23 curated resources, including guides, case studies, and best practices designed to help manufacturers and Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) successfully hire and retain returning citizens.

What’s inside?

• Step-by-step guidance on getting started
• Best practices for hiring and retention
• Strategies for effective communication and partnership-building

By reducing barriers to employment, manufacturers can access a motivated talent pool while strengthening their workforce. Explore these tools and put Fair Chance hiring into action. 4/9/2025

In an effort to address talent pipeline gaps, the Workforce Connect Manufacturing Sector Partnership (WCMSP), an OMA-Endorsed ISP, created the Early College Early Career program (ECEC). This program is designed to introduce 11th graders to manufacturing as a career path, drive excitement for the industry, and revitalize STEM. Prior offerings have seen more than 95% of graduates receive, at minimum, one job offer upon completion.

WCMSP recently welcomed nearly 70 new students into this program, which marks the beginning of their 18-month journey into manufacturing career exploration and hands-on learning in manufacturing. If you are a manufacturer interested in ECEC, learn more about how this program can benefit you and your community. 4/9/2025

Through WorkAdvance, the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA), an OMA-Endorsed ISP, connected Noble Tool with McKeisha Hamilton, a determined job seeker eager for a career in manufacturing. Originally from Jamaica, Hamilton worked two jobs while earning her GED. With training from WorkAdvance, she gained the skills needed to transition into the industry – at no cost to her or Noble Tool.

Recognizing her potential, Noble Tool Owner Jim Bowman hired Hamilton and supported her from the start. “I may have caught lightning in a bottle with McKeisha,” Bowman said. “She is an excellent employee, a hard worker, and she’ll do whatever she needs to get the job done.” In just three months, she has exceeded expectations and is building a stable future in manufacturing.

WorkAdvance helps manufacturers access skilled talent ready from day one. Hear more from Noble Tool owner, Jim Bowman, and McKeisha about how WorkAdvance has made a difference for them. 4/2/2025

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin recently announced Ohio’s 2025 Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils.

“A top-notch Business Advisory Council is a critical tool in Ohio’s Workforce Playbook,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “By getting local business leaders talking with school leaders, we can focus on developing students in the skillsets that make their area of the state special. This will lead to special results as we continue to develop our workforce across Ohio.”

Ohio is home to 110 Business Advisory Councils. To learn more about ODEW’s Quality Practices for councils, visit Business Advisory Council webpage. 4/1/2024