Ohio’s Manufacturing Mentorship Program at Work

Last year, Ohio established its Manufacturing Mentorship Program, authorized by the FY 2020-21 state budget. The program allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work in a manufacturing operation through part-time employment — without having to commit to a technical education program or career center.

Now the Ohio Department of Commerce has produced this video to provide a real-world example of how the program works. The video spotlights Mahoning County’s Extrudex Aluminum, as well as two young Ohioans — now full-time employees — who were introduced to the company via the mentorship program. (An introduction from the OMA’s Rob Brundrett explains why the association advocated for the creation of this program.) 10/27/2021