Workforce Management

OMA Supports ODEW’s Pick for New Deputy Director of Division of Career-Technical Education and Workforce

This week, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) announced its selection of Jeremy Varner as deputy director leading the Division of Career-Technical Education and Workforce.

The OMA issued a statement of support, citing Varner’s extensive experience in education policy and career-tech education. 5/16/2024

OMA-Endorsed ISP Convening Highlights Growing Collaboration and Alignment

This week, the OMA hosted an Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) convening, showcasing the extensive collaboration across the state. The OMA-Endorsed ISP network is essential to the state’s efforts to align education, training, policy, and competencies to meet the needs of Ohio’s manufacturing sector.

Key initiatives discussed included public policy advocacy efforts, ISP capacity-building strategies, and enhancing training, placement, and career coaching through programs like WorkAdvance and the Ohio MFG Competency Model. These efforts highlight stepping stones for jobseekers to enter the industry more quickly and know their career pathway options for advancement.

To stay informed, be sure to opt-in to the OMA Workforce Community. 5/15/2024

MFG Career Pathways for Ohio Justice-Impacted Individuals

Ohio is committed to supporting justice-impacted individuals reentering society and needing a career pathway. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) offers free employment services for these individuals through OhioMeansJobs Centers. These resources include job training, skill improvement, and assistance with job searches.

Employers hiring individuals with criminal histories can benefit from federal tax credits through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program and request a fidelity bond at no cost to reduce financial risks.

For more information, visit the Job Services for Restored Citizens or sign up for an OMA Training Series on Justice-Impacted Individuals. 5/15/2024

Redefining Manufacturing: Insights from OMA’s Jessica Borza

As part of Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week, Jessica Borza offers a fresh perspective on the state of manufacturing in Ohio today through her recent op-ed. Highlighting salary potential and a diverse range of career pathways, the article addresses outdated perceptions and showcases the sector’s commitment to inclusivity and advanced skills.

The op-ed emphasizes the vital role of manufacturing in Ohio’s economic growth, its readiness to embrace an evolving workforce, and the OMA’s efforts in addressing misconceptions and attracting a new generation of talent to manufacturing careers. 5/1/2024

Spotlight on Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week Events

During Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week (May 6-10), this map shows events taking place across the state to highlight the career opportunities within key industries such as manufacturing.

On Wednesday, OMA member The Belden Brick Company in Sugarcreek, hosted Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik.

Later today, Lt. Governor Husted will visit Goyal Industries, joined by OMA’s Lindsey Short. 5/10/2024

Enhancing Workplace Culture: Insights for Recruitment, Retention, and Growth

Recent data from the 2023 Manufacturing Turnover Survey, conducted by CMOR and GOWB, reveals insights into the manufacturing industry’s landscape, emphasizing workplace culture’s role in talent attraction and retention. Key findings include:

• 68.4% view manufacturing as vital for economic strength and job creation;
• 89.8% are deterred from recommending manufacturing careers due to concerns about job stability and compensation;
• Barriers like criminal backgrounds and skill gaps present opportunities for creating more inclusive workplaces; and
• Workers prioritize rewarding work, flexible hours, and clear career advancement.

The OMA’s Untapped Talent Training Series provides manufacturers with practical strategies for recruitment, retention, and advancement. Initiatives like this and WorkAdvance are crucial for empowering the manufacturing workforce and enhancing the industry’s public image, showcasing innovation, diversity, and technological advancement. 5/6/2024

TechCred Program Continues to Power Ohio’s Workforce Forward

TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills while also helping employers build a stronger workforce. The latest results from the 25th round of Ohio’s TechCred program in March have been released, with 463 employers upskilling employees through 5,723 tech-focused credentials, including a record number of AI credentials.

TechCred offers employers who submit successful applications reimbursement of up to $2,000 per credential and $30,000 per funding round.

Ohio employers can apply for the current 26th round until May 31, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. For details on how to apply or to learn more about the credentials and training opportunities, visit techcred.ohio.gov. 5/7/2024

In-Demand Jobs Week 2024

Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week 2024 (May 6-10) aims to highlight high-demand careers and industries and increase awareness among students, job seekers, and community members about the opportunities available in their local job markets. The OMA is championing manufacturing careers throughout the week through several key initiatives:

• An op-ed by Jessica Borza will be featured in the Plain Dealer, spotlighting the vibrancy of today’s manufacturing careers;
• All 19 OMA-endorsed ISPs were armed with toolkits, including success stories, the Ohio top jobs list, the Ohio career pathways toolkit, and the Ohio career navigator tool – all accessible to manufacturers as well; and
• The OMA will feature a social media campaign aligned with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation’s (OWT) 2024 theme, highlighting in-demand roles in manufacturing.

Visit MakingOhio.com for resources tailored to introduce youth to manufacturing careers such as comprehensive career pathways, role descriptions, and engaging videos; reach out to your local OMA-Endorsed ISP to collaborate with the regional ecosystems they convene and partner with; and add your events to the In-Demand Jobs event map so that job seekers can find them. Email In-DemandJobs@jfs.ohio.gov with the event name, date and time, and a short description. 5/2/2024

OMA Highlights Workforce Expertise at Ohio Economic Development Training

The Ohio Economic Development Association (ODEA) this week hosted its annual Ohio Basic Economic Development Course, an intensive professional development training tailored to economic development practitioners, community leaders, local government officials, and other newcomers to economic development-related roles.

The OMA’s Jessica Borza, alongside Kristi Clouse from JobsOhio and Lisa Patt McDaniel from the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio (WDBCO), led a session on workforce development initiatives and strategies in Ohio. Borza’s presentation highlighted the key principles of workforce development, the critical role of OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), and the importance of earn-and-learn programs.

For more details on OMA’s workforce initiatives and how to get involved, check out the newly updated OMA Workforce Roadmap and OMA-Endorsed ISP Network Map and Directory. 5/1/2024

Central Ohio Training Center Hosts Grand Opening

Columbus State Community College hosted its grand opening of the Northeast Accelerated Training Center in New Albany this Thursday. The event featured remarks from Columbus State President Dr. David T. Harrison, local and state dignitaries, and included tours and demonstrations.

This new facility responds directly to the growing workforce needs within central Ohio by offering short-term targeted training programs. The training center recently hosted WorkAdvance bootcamps organized by the OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP), Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP), with curriculum led by the MEP at Columbus State. Programs like these are aimed at developing essential entry-level skills and providing quick-access credentials critical for regional manufacturing careers. The addition of this training center strengthens Ohio’s capacity to meet current and future demands in the manufacturing sector. 5/2/2024