Workforce Management

At a Glance: Ohio’s Manufacturing Growth Since March 2010

Ohio has experienced a sizable expansion in manufacturing employment since emerging from the depths of the last recession. Over the past nine years, the number of Ohio manufacturing jobs has jumped by more than 14% (about 87,500 jobs).

Federal data show the Buckeye State had approximately 613,800 manufacturing positions in March 2010, when U.S. financial markets hit their lowest point for the recessionary period between fall 2007 and summer 2009. Nine years later, in March 2019, Ohio had roughly 701,300 manufacturing jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 4/29/2019

Manufacturing Mentorship Program Included in House Budget Bill

When the House unveiled the state budget sub-bill (HB 166) this week, the Manufacturing Mentorship Program — as proposed by the DeWine administration — was still intact. The program would allow 16- and 17-year old students to work part-time in a manufacturing facility under the guidance of a “mentor.” This would allow certain minors who are not part of a “bona fide educational program” to gain exposure to manufacturing careers while in high school.

The House will continue its budget deliberations over the next week. 5/2/2019

May 6-10 is In-Demand Jobs Week

In-Demand Jobs Week is a statewide celebration of jobs, industries and skills that are in-demand in Ohio. In-Demand Jobs Week occurs during the first full week in May — this year, May 6-10. Leaders statewide are encouraged to plan events and activities that will inspire excitement and create awareness among students and job seekers. Let us know your plans and send us your pictures. #InDemandOhio 4/22/2019

OhioMeansJobs.com Improves Jobs Posting Site

Earlier this month, OhioMeansJobs.com unveiled several enhanced features to make employers’ searches for qualified candidates easier and more effective. Administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), the website offers employers “millions of resumes with advanced filtering tools that make it easy to identify the most promising candidates.”

According to the agency, employers will now be able to save and re-post job openings with just a few clicks. In addition, users will be able to access a library of pre-written job descriptions; set up automatic questions to screen applicants; and view metrics of their searches and posts via a new dashboard feature. The services offered by OhioMeansJobs.com are free. 4/22/2019

Notice: 16- & 17-Year-Olds Can Work in Manufacturing

There is a common misconception that manufacturers cannot hire 16- and 17-year-olds. With summer approaching, the OMA wants to shed light on this subject.

Currently, students ages 16 and 17 can work in the manufacturing sector if they are part of a “bona fide educational program.” Ohio’s Career and Technical Center programs are typically bona fide — and other school programs can apply through the Ohio Department of Education. This means several exemptions apply to minor student learners and employers who are participating in a work-based learning experience.

For an overview of federal and Ohio labor laws as they apply to employees under the age of 18, click here. Also, this presentation offers a summary of Ohio’s high school apprenticeship programs for interested employers. 4/22/2019

Ohio’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.4%

Ohio’s unemployment rate fell to 4.4% last month, down from 4.6% in February, according to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. That is compared to the U.S. unemployment figure of 3.8%. Ohio’s smaller unemployment number came despite a loss of 2,400 manufacturing jobs in March, due largely to the GM plant closing in Lordstown.

During the past 12 months, Ohio has added 39,800 jobs. The state’s unemployment rate has been below 5% since September 2017. 04/22/2019

OMA Workforce Leadership Committee Holds Quarterly Meeting

On Thursday, April 18, the OMA’s Workforce Leadership Committee held its quarterly meeting led by Chairman Scot McLemore, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Deployment at Honda North America, Inc.

Committee members were briefed on the activities of Ohio’s local manufacturing industry sector partnerships, which are widely recognized as a proven strategy to help meet the employment and skill needs of workers and employers. In addition, committee members received updates on state policies that could affect workforce development, as well as the progress on Making Ohio — the industry-led initiative that seeks to promote manufacturing, while growing the state’s skilled workforce.

OMA members should mark their calendars for Oct. 29, when the 2019 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. To register for this statewide convening of manufacturers and their workforce partners, click here. 4/18/2019

Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Launch Campaign to Promote Skills Training, Careers

A partnership between the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition and local schools will promote training programs for in-demand jobs including welding, machining and industrial maintenance.

The campaign will include advertising, social media and more to attract students. Coalition Executive Director Jessica Borza said that the average annual earnings for manufacturing employees in the Mahoning Valley are more than $68,000.

The campaign was developed with assistance from JobsOhio and the OMA. Read more about this innovative program in The Business Journal. 4/17/2019

Workforce Credentialing, Training Resources Available to OMA Members

There is no more pressing issue for Ohio manufacturers than recruiting, retaining and training workers. OMA has partnered with California State University, SkillsCommons to provide easy access to high-quality FREE and OPEN training resources for Ohio manufacturers and their workforce partners.

The OMA portal offers direct access to curated, high-quality advanced manufacturing materials to lower costs in credentialing, training, and up-skilling efforts. Browse the OMA SkillsCommons portal or send a note to SkillsCommons for personalized technical assistance. 4/17/2019

Honda Opens Training Center in Bellefontaine

Honda of America Mfg., Inc. is opening a 40,000 square-foot training center to provide new production associates with the skills they need to successfully transition into current manufacturing roles.

This two-week, hands-on, innovative program will support workforce training for Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant and the Anna Engine Plant.

The $1.9 million investment, which converted an existing building into learning space, will allow up to 100 new production associates the opportunity to train each week. More here. 4/11/2019

OMA President Eric Burkland attends grand opening of Honda’s Bellefontaine training center. Shown here with Pam Heminger, Vice President, North American Purchasing, Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., and OMA board member.