Workforce Management

Preparing Tomorrow’s Manufacturers: Ohio’s MEP Internship

The Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) internship program provides a useful workforce tool. The program pairs high school and trade school students with manufacturers, and reimburses 50% (up to $1,500) of a student intern’s wages.

In previous years, an estimated 80% of MEP interns were offered full-time employment by the end of the internship. For more, contact your regional Ohio MEP partner or email the Department of Development. 9/19/2023

Ohio’s Public Schools Report Card

In case you missed it, the annual report card grading the state’s 600-plus public school districts was recently released by state officials. The cards feature a five-star rating system, with three stars and above needed to meet state standards. Search here for your school district. 9/18/2023

Help Shape Ohio’s High School Credentials List

Ohio high schools and career technical centers are actively working to provide students with industry-recognized credentials. The state’s approved high school graduation credentials list ensures students earn credentials valued by employers, including manufacturers.

OMA members are invited to take part in the Ohio Department of Education’s survey to collect employer feedback on the credentials list. Click here to take the survey. If you have questions regarding the survey or review process, email the agency. 9/20/2023

Updates on OMA Workforce Development Efforts

During a recent meeting held at the headquarters of OMA Connections Partner MAGNET, OMA staff members presented a statewide progress report on Ohio’s Good Jobs Challenge grant, awarded last summer.

Highlights from the review included details about the launch of WorkAdvance campaigns in regions covered by OMA-endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships. Also discussed was the OMA’s Untapped Talent Learning Community, which will be detailed at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit, set for Nov. 8. (Register here if you haven’t already.)

OMA members are invited to participate in an Oct. 19 briefing to learn more about the Untapped Talent Learning Community. 9/14/2023

TechCred Deadline Is September 29

Time is running out to apply for the current funding round of Ohio’s TechCred — the popular training program that reimburses employers up to $30,000 per round to upskill employees. Applications can be submitted until 3 p.m. Sept. 29. Employers of any size may apply here. 9/14/2023

Tips for Hosting Your MFG Day Event

MFG Day (Oct. 6) and MFG Month (October) are only a month away. These are among the most prominent opportunities to connect with the next generation of manufacturers.

Members planning to host a MFG Day or MFG Month event are encouraged to start planning now, if they haven’t already. Here are some suggestions:

• Partner with your local industry sector partnership. It’s a great way to coordinate activities, including plant tours.
• Use the these no-cost resources from the Manufacturing Institute.
• Register your event so it can be placed on this map, published by the Manufacturing Institute.

As of Aug. 29, Ohio already had 20 events listed on the Institute’s map, more than any other state. 8/29/2023

TechCred Accepting Applications in September

The latest application round of Ohio’s TechCred begins Sept. 1. The popular training program, which reimburses employers up to $30,000 per round, will accept applications until 3 p.m. Sept. 29. Employers of all sizes may apply here.

Ohio’s new biennial budget invests $50 million in TechCred over two years. This funding level was proposed by the DeWine-Husted administration and advocated by the OMA. 8/29/2023

Search Begins for Education and Workforce Department Leader

The process of filling the top three positions at Ohio’s revamped education department is underway.

Gongwer News Service reports Gov. Mike DeWine has said the administration is in the process of interviewing candidates to serve as director of the Department of Education and Workforce, as authorized by the state’s biennial budget (House Bill 33).

The governor will appoint the director of the reorganized department; then the new director appoint deputies to head separate divisions focused on career-technical education and K-12 learning. All three positions are subject to approval by the Ohio Senate. 8/22/2023

Study: Manufacturers Are Slow to Adopt Credentials

A new study indicates many manufacturers don’t view credentials as the most relevant tools to find new workers.

According to HR Dive, the study — conducted in partnership with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership — found that manufacturers are investing heavily in training without a way to showcase or validate employee skills. The study recommends that employers capture formal training with credentialing to signify the kind of skills each worker has earned on the job.

For more on recommended credentials, use this tool produced by the OMA. 8/24/2023

Tips for Employers: Addressing Workforce Housing

According to the 2023 Ohio Housing Needs Assessment published by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, affordable housing remains a challenge — adding another hurdle for many employers that are hiring.

Ohio’s new state budget established a low-income housing tax credit and a single-family housing credit to incentivize the construction of more affordable housing.

The OMA has published these tips for supporting your workforce with housing challenges. 8/24/2023