Workforce Management

OMA Urges Lawmakers to Fund Workforce Priorities, Industry 4.0 Matching Grant

This week, the OMA told House lawmakers that the proposed workforce investments contained in the DeWine-Husted administration’s two-year budget (House Bill 33) are needed to boost Ohio’s manufacturing competitiveness.

In testimony before the House Finance Subcommittee on Agriculture, Development, and Natural Resources, OMA representative Ann Aquillo urged lawmakers to include an OMA-supported plan to establish the Smart Technology Assistance Program (STAP). The STAP would create a matching grant to encourage manufacturers to invest in new equipment to expand Ohio’s Industry 4.0 capabilities.

See Aquillo’s testimony beginning at 2:58:20 in this video. 3/21/2023

Extra Assistance for Manufactuers’ In-House Training

The Ohio Workforce Partnership — comprised of the OMA and Ohio TechNet — has announced expanded funding opportunities for Ohio manufacturers that have in-house earn-and-learn programs. Qualified manufacturers can earn $500 per trainee through funds provided via the U.S. Department of Labor Scaling Apprenticeship Grant. More details are available here. Email OMA Workforce Services with questions. 3/22/2023

March 31 Deadline for ApprenticeOhio, TechCred

Manufacturers with apprentices have until Friday, March 31 to apply for training reimbursement grants through ApprenticeOhio. Eligible manufacturers can be reimbursed up to $2,500 per apprentice (for up to 10 apprentices) to help cover training and tool expenses. OMA Connections Partner William Vaughan has more details.

Also, applications for the current round of TechCred are due by 3 p.m. March 31. Employers can receive up to $30,000 per round ($180,000 a year) to upskill employees. OMA Connections Partner HBK has published this insight.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted reported this week that as many as 4,237 workers will receive technology-related credentials under TechCred’s January 2023 funding round. 3/21/2023

Webinar: Preparing for MFG Day

On April 6, the Manufacturing Institute will host a complimentary webinar for manufacturers and their supporters who want to learn about Manufacturing Day and how to host an MFG Day event. Click here for more information, including how to register. 3/22/2023

Higher Ed Cost Transparency Bill Introduced

Legislation to bring more transparency to higher education costs is being considered in the Ohio House. House Bill 27 would require state institutions of higher education — including universities and colleges, community colleges, and technical colleges — to provide a financial cost and aid disclosure forms. See the bill summary.

Notably, the bill would require disclosure of a student’s expected earnings after graduation, as well as his/her monthly education loan payments. 3/23/2023

Survey: Worries About Filling Tech-Related Openings

As reported by HR Dive, a new survey shows 90% of HR leaders are extremely, very, or somewhat concerned that current recruiting methods won’t be enough to fill open tech-related positions. But in-house training, apprenticeships, and hiring from boot camps could help overcome the skills gap.

In Ohio, the DeWine-Husted administration and the OMA are recommending major workforce investments via the state budget to address talent shortages and the skills gap, including in tech-related fields such as manufacturing. See the OMA’s most recent edition of Retooling Ohio for details. 3/14/2023

Members Encouraged to Apply for Earn-and-Learn Funding Up to $500 per Employee

Do you currently provide on-the-job training that results in a credential or certificate? Do you use apprenticeships or internships to develop your workforce? If so, you may be eligible for a $500 per employee incentive through the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP), of which OMA is a partner.

OMA members are encouraged to apply for this funding, which is first-come, first-served. Applications will be accepted throughout March and April. 3/16/2023

Ohio Workforce Voucher Bill Introduced

Legislation was recently introduced in the Ohio Senate to create a workforce voucher program designed to to fill in-demand jobs, including certain manufacturing positions.

Senate Bill 5 would require the Ohio Department of Development to award vouchers to students at public and private institutions of higher education seeking degrees and licenses for jobs deemed to be in demand. The bill is currently before the Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee. Read the bill summary. 3/15/2023

Ohio Business Groups Support Affordable Housing Plan

With the lack of affordable housing being an obstacle to attracting talent in many Ohio communities, business groups this week voiced support for House Bill 3, which would authorize an affordable housing tax credit. See the bill summary.

At a March 14 hearing held by the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee, Ann Aquillo testified on behalf of the OMA. She told lawmakers that HB 3 would add another resource to Ohio’s workforce arsenal. Read Aquillo’s testimony. 3/14/2023

Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit Set for Nov. 8

In case you haven’t yet heard, the OMA has announced that the 2023 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit will be held Nov. 8 at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville.

Launched in 2017, the summit offers resources and new ideas to manufacturers and their workforce partners, suppliers, advocates, and champions to enhance workforce skills and attract talent. Stay tuned for program and registration details. 3/15/2023