Workforce

Ohio manufacturers have an opportunity to bring real-world industry experience into K-12 classrooms through the Ohio STEM Learning Network’s (OSLN) 2026–27 Statewide Design Challenge.

This year’s challenge asks students to explore how manufacturing could change or improve to make materials, parts and products in new or unexpected places and environments. Students will develop plans, systems or products aimed at making the future of manufacturing possible in those settings.

OSLN, in partnership with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and HAMMER ERC, is looking for industry experts to help students connect those ideas with how manufacturers, engineers and other professionals solve problems in the real world.

There are three ways to participate. Industry experts can answer student and teacher questions by email, work virtually with a classroom to provide feedback on projects, or judge student work during the statewide challenge in January. Participants can choose one opportunity or take part in all three.

The commitment can be as little as responding to occasional questions by email. Classroom partnerships typically require about two to three hours, while judging is completely virtual and includes training.

It is a low-lift way to give students a clearer view of manufacturing careers while helping shape the problem-solvers Ohio manufacturers will need next.

Learn more about the OSLN Design Challenge and sign up to participate. 9/3/2026

Ohio Gratings is expanding its Stark County manufacturing operations into Alliance, with regular operations beginning in early September. The expansion comes as Ohio was named CNBC’s No. 1 state for business, reinforcing the momentum manufacturers are seeing across the state and the importance of ensuring workforce strategies keep pace with business growth.

Ohio Gratings is currently hiring workers in operations and technician career pathways across its Alliance and Canton locations. The Alliance location creates additional opportunities to connect students, schools, and workforce partners on the eastern side of Stark County with pathways into promising manufacturing careers.

This expansion and recruitment reflects a broader truth: Ohio manufacturers are ready to grow and engage, and the need for workers in operations and technician pathways remains a critical workforce priority. This demand is being elevated through the JobsOhio Technician Path. This type of employer growth underscores the importance of ongoing workforce and talent-pipeline conversations that connect manufacturers with the partners, programs, and pathways needed to support expansion across Ohio. 9/2/2026

Ohio manufacturers interested in engaging students earlier have an opportunity to learn how education and employer partners are creating meaningful youth experiences in manufacturing.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will host OMA/Workforce: Working with Youth in Manufacturing, a webinar focused on key considerations for youth employment and student work-based learning.

The session will include practical guidance on relevant Ohio requirements, high-level federal considerations, and safeguards manufacturers should keep in mind when developing opportunities for students under the age of 18. Participants will also hear from two education and employer partnerships connected to Upper Valley Career Center and Great Oaks Career Campuses that have successfully worked with manufacturers to build student experiences.

Through these examples, manufacturers will gain insight into how partnerships are structured, how roles and expectations are defined, and what processes help support safe and successful youth engagement.

Manufacturers interested in strengthening early talent pathways are encouraged to register for the Sept. 10 webinar. 9/3/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will host its ninth annual Workforce Summit on Wednesday, April 14, 2027, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.

Moving to the spring, the 2027 summit will continue to bring manufacturers and workforce partners together for a statewide conversation on the strategies, partnerships, and priorities shaping Ohio’s manufacturing workforce.

The summit will convene manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships, education and training providers, workforce partners, and state leaders to explore employer-led workforce solutions and opportunities to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. Additional details, including registration information and agenda highlights, will be shared in the coming months. Manufacturers and workforce partners are encouraged to save the date and plan to join OMA in Columbus. 8/28/2026

Education and training providers have until Monday, Aug. 31, to express interest in joining the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) Workforce Training Partner Program and be considered for inclusion in the inaugural OMA Workforce Training Directory launching this fall.

The directory will serve as a statewide resource to help manufacturers identify schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities aligned with manufacturing workforce needs. By joining the Program, education and training providers can increase visibility with Ohio manufacturers while helping strengthen connections between industry, education, and regional workforce partners.

High schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities interested in being part of the inaugural directory should submit the interest form by Monday’s deadline. 8/25/2026

MAGNET, an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP), has launched its Technician Fast Track cohort in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College as the related technical instruction provider. The cohort marks continued momentum for the statewide implementation of OMA’s employer-led technician talent model.

Developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers, Technician Fast Track is a one-year earn-and-learn model designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and alignment with real workforce needs. Participating manufacturers in MAGNET’s cohort include Swagelok, Lincoln Electric, Euclid Heat Treating, Poly6, Talan Products, Enprotech, and Worthington Steel.

The launch reflects how manufacturers, ISPs, and education providers are working together to create repeatable pathways for developing entry-level technicians. Through MAGNET’s coordination and Cuyahoga Community College’s instructional partnership, the cohort will help participating employers build technician talent while supporting learners as they gain skills connected directly to manufacturing career opportunities. 8/20/2026

Ohio manufacturers are increasingly exploring ways to strengthen talent pipelines by engaging students earlier through career-technical education, pre-apprenticeship, WorkAdvance, and other work-based learning models. As these opportunities grow, many employers have questions about what is possible, what safeguards are needed, and how to structure youth experiences appropriately.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will host OMA/Workforce: Working with Youth in Manufacturing, a webinar focused on key considerations for youth employment and student work-based learning. The session will include practical guidance on relevant Ohio requirements, high-level federal considerations, and examples of how education and manufacturing partners are creating successful student experiences.

Manufacturers interested in building earlier talent pathways are encouraged to register for the webinar to learn how to approach youth engagement with greater clarity and confidence. 8/19/2026

Ohio’s TechCred program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, has released updated guidelines ahead of the next application round, opening Oct. 1, 2026.

The updated program strengthens its focus on technology-driven, industry-aligned skills, allowing employers to receive up to $1,000 per employee, per credential, to support workforce upskilling and build a more tech-ready talent pipeline. Employers select from revised, approved list of industry-recognized credentials and eligible training providers.

Read more about the updated guidelines and upcoming application round. 8/19/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) convened its Workforce Committee this week to discuss workforce programs and priorities shaping Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. OMA’s operating report included updates on key initiatives advancing across the state, including the Career Ambassador Program, Technician Fast Track, and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s recently announced Career Technical Education Access Grant, which will expand WorkAdvance into high schools across 10 schools in Ohio in partnership with their local Industry Sector Partnerships.

The meeting also continued the committee’s discussion around AI and Smart Manufacturing, with Honda and Staub Manufacturing Solutions sharing how they are approaching this work within their companies. Their perspectives provided practical insight into how peers are exploring emerging technologies, identifying use cases and considering the workforce implications of AI adoption.

The meeting featured guest presentations from JobsOhio and the Manufacturing Institute on timely workforce opportunities. JobsOhio shared more about its new Experiential Learning Incentive initiative and how it can support technician talent development efforts, while Jordan Morang with the Manufacturing Institute shared how federal workforce priorities and investments, including Registered Apprenticeships, are shaping opportunities across the industry.

“Ohio is putting more tools on the table to help employers build the skilled workforce they need, but the real value comes from making those programs practical and easy to use,” said Jessica Borza, managing director of workforce services for the OMA. “This committee gives manufacturers a place to hear what is working, learn from one another and help shape workforce solutions around the realities they face every day.” 8/12/2026

Smart Manufacturing is not just a technology challenge. It is a workforce challenge, too.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, OMA will host the final webinar in its Smart Manufacturing series, focused on the skills, training strategies and workforce planning needed to support successful technology adoption.

Conrad Leiva of CESMII and Jim Wetzel of NxGen Group will discuss how companies can prepare employees for changing roles, build internal capabilities and work with outside experts and education partners as operations become more connected and automated.

The webinar runs from 11 a.m. to noon and is offered at no cost to OMA members and partners. Register now to make sure your workforce is ready for what comes next. 8/14/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) invites high schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities to join the new OMA Workforce Training Partner Program and be included in the inaugural OMA Workforce Training Directory.

The directory will help manufacturers identify regional education and training partners, strengthen talent pipelines, expand apprenticeships and work-based learning, and connect with programs aligned to manufacturing workforce needs.

Schools that join the Workforce Training Partner Program by August 31, 2026, are eligible for inclusion in the inaugural Workforce Training Directory, increasing visibility across Ohio and strengthening connections with manufacturers.

Submit your interest form to be part of this first statewide resource connecting manufacturers with Ohio’s workforce training partners. 8/7/2026

Jessica Borza, managing director of workforce services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, attended her first meeting Wednesday as a new member of the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board at Tolles Career and Technical Center.

Kyle Fulton of the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership also presented on WorkAdvance and Technician Fast Track, showing how employer-led programs can move people into in-demand manufacturing careers and help companies build the skilled workforce they need.

“Jessica understands that workforce programs only work when employers are at the table,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of advocacy and energy services. “She will make sure manufacturers have a strong voice as Ohio works to connect more people with the skills and opportunities our industry needs.” 8/5/2026

Gov. Mike DeWine has announced a $3.2 million investment to expand manufacturing career-technical education in communities where students currently lack access to such programs.

“Ohio cannot grow its manufacturing economy without a stronger pipeline of skilled workers,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “These grants will help schools build programs around the skills employers actually need and give more students a direct path to good-paying manufacturing careers.”

The investment builds on the OMA’s proven WorkAdvance model and will expand hands-on manufacturing learning through K-12 career-tech satellite programs. Ten career-technical planning districts and Ohio technical centers will each receive $320,000, creating approximately 300 new student seats.

Through its partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, OMA will support implementation alongside regional Industry Sector Partnerships. These partnerships will help connect schools with manufacturers, shape employer-driven curriculum and create paid work-based learning opportunities.

Participating OMA-endorsed partnerships include the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership; Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition; BESTOhio; Central Ohio Manufacturers’ Partnership; Dayton Region Manufacturers Association; Regional Manufacturing Coalition; TEAM Tuscarawas; and the Workforce Partnership of Putnam County.

Programs will be developed during the 2026-27 school year and are expected to begin serving students by the start of the 2027-28 school year. 7/27/2026

Technician roles continue to be a critical workforce need for Ohio manufacturers. To help employers learn more about the Technician Fast Track program, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will host a virtual informational session on Wednesday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. The session is designed for manufacturers interested in learning more about the program model and exploring whether it could align with their workforce needs.

Technician Fast Track is a one-year earn-and-learn model designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and stronger alignment with real workforce needs. This informational session will give manufacturers a clearer view of how the program works, participation expectations, available supports, and how Technician Fast Track can fit into their broader workforce strategy.

Manufacturers interested in exploring Technician Fast Track can complete the interest form to reserve their spot for the informational session. OMA will follow up directly with session details and the Zoom meeting link. 7/23/2026

On Thursday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to noon, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will host the second webinar in its Smart Manufacturing webinar series in partnership with CESMII, focused on helping manufacturers move from interest to a more structured path for adoption.

The session will provide a practical look at CESMII’s Smart Manufacturing Roadmap process and how it helps manufacturers evaluate opportunities, clarify priorities, and plan next steps. Participants will learn how roadmapping can support decision-making around Smart Manufacturing investments, implementation planning, and workforce considerations, while connecting manufacturers with available resources, certified expertise, and Ohio partner support.

Manufacturers are encouraged to register for the webinar to better understand how the roadmapping process can help identify the next practical steps for Smart Manufacturing adoption. 7/16/2026

The Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP), an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP), has launched its Technician Fast Track cohort in partnership with Tolles Career & Technical Center as the related technical instruction provider. COMP is the second ISP to kick off a Technician Fast Track cohort, marking continued momentum for the statewide implementation of OMA’s employer-led technician talent model.

Developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers, Technician Fast Track is a one-year earn-and-learn model designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and alignment with real workforce needs. Participating manufacturers in COMP’s cohort include Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Engineered Profiles, Worthington Enterprises, Inc., and Cycle Start.

The launch reflects how manufacturers, ISPs, and education providers are working together to create repeatable pathways for developing entry-level technicians. Through COMP’s coordination and Tolles’ instructional partnership, the cohort will help participating employers build technician talent while supporting learners as they gain skills connected directly to manufacturing career opportunities. 7/16/2026

Interest continues to grow in the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) new Workforce Training Partner Program, which will launch the statewide OMA Workforce Training Directory this fall.

The directory will connect manufacturers with schools, career centers, Ohio Technical Centers, colleges, and universities that are preparing Ohio’s future manufacturing workforce. By creating a centralized resource, the directory will help manufacturers identify education and training partners, strengthen regional talent pipelines, expand apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities, and connect with programs aligned to industry workforce needs.

Education and training providers that join the Workforce Training Partner Program will increase their visibility with Ohio manufacturers while demonstrating their commitment to workforce alignment and industry engagement.

Schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities interested in participating are encouraged to submit an interest form to learn more about becoming an OMA Workforce Training Partner before the Directory launches this fall. 7/8/2026

Following the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) recent Build Your Technician Talent Pathway webinar, manufacturers have another opportunity to learn more about Technician Fast Track and explore whether the program could be a fit for their workforce needs. The OMA will host a virtual informational session on Wednesday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom for manufacturers interested in taking a deeper look at the program model and next steps for participation.

Technician Fast Track is a one-year earn-and-learn model designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and stronger alignment with real workforce needs. This informational session will give manufacturers a clearer view of how the program works, participation expectations, available supports, and how Technician Fast Track can fit into their broader workforce strategy.

Manufacturers interested in exploring Technician Fast Track can complete the interest form to reserve their spot for the informational session. OMA will follow up directly with session details and the Zoom meeting link. 6/29/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) recently hosted the Build Your Technician Talent Pathway webinar focused on how manufacturers can strengthen technician talent pathways through Technician Fast Track. Developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers, the employer-led earn-and-learn model is designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and alignment to real job requirements.

During the session, participants heard from panelists Alex Hertzer of Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, Jackie Ruller of Youngstown State University, and Ashley Woloschak of Xaloy on how Technician Fast Track can help manufacturers address technician hiring and training challenges while accelerating talent development. Panelists shared how the employer-led model creates stronger alignment between classroom instruction and real job requirements, supports structured on-the-job learning, and helps learners build skills through coordinated pathways supported by manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships and training providers.

The conversation reinforced the importance of employer-led workforce solutions that connect training more directly to workplace needs while creating scalable approaches to technician development across Ohio.

Explore and register for upcoming OMA Workforce events to stay engaged in conversations around workforce strategies, talent development models, and resources for Ohio manufacturers. 6/25/2026

Ohio manufacturers have consistently called for an easier way to identify education and training partners aligned to workforce needs. This fall, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will launch the OMA Workforce Training Partner Program, anchored by a new statewide Workforce Training Directory that connects manufacturers with schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities preparing Ohio’s future manufacturing workforce.

The program creates a clear pathway for education and training providers to form strategic partnerships with OMA and manufacturers, increasing visibility and strengthening alignment between schools and industry workforce needs.

The Workforce Training Directory will serve as a centralized resource for manufacturers to:

– Identify regional education and training partners

– Strengthen talent pipelines

– Expand apprenticeships and work-based learning

– Connect with programs aligned to manufacturing competencies

Education and training providers interested in strengthening alignment with Ohio manufacturers are encouraged to submit the interest form to learn more about the Workforce Training Partner Program. 6/25/2026