Workforce Management

COMP Finds Outreach Success Using Videos

The Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP) — the OMA-endorsed industry sector partnership (ISP) for 12 counties — recently unveiled multiple marketing videos to showcase manufacturing careers and training opportunities.

Using funds received through Ohio’s ISP grant program, COMP produced videos aimed at attracting veterans and women to manufacturing, as well as other videos to promote training programs offered through Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) in the COMP region. JobsOhio has announced it will invest in COMP’s efforts to expand the video campaign. 5/18/2022

Case Western, LCCC Partner to Provide Resources, Talent for Emerging Semiconductor Economy

Case Western Reserve University and Lorain County Community College are teaming up to help fuel Ohio’s emerging computer chip economy. The partnership will accelerate research, commercialization, and talent development related to semi-conductors and micro-electronics, according to both institutions.

As noted in the OMA’s “Retooling Ohio” publications, Intel’s Licking County project is expected to bring at least 30 to 40 supplier companies to Ohio, while supporting more than 140 Intel suppliers already in the state. 5/18/2022

Ohio Workforce Campaign Focuses on Adult Learners

Ohio’s adult and continuing education programs, operating at 51 locations throughout the state, are collectively known as the Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs). They play a key role in Ohio’s manufacturing workforce strategy.

To grow the number of adult job seekers and employers utilizing OTCs — and to boost upskilling opportunities available to adults — the Ohio Association of Career-Technical Superintendents (OACTS) has announced its “Fast Track” campaign. It includes this section for employers. Learn more about this effort. 5/9/2022

Manufacturer Finds Recruiting Success With 9-2 Shift

Kawasaki’s Lincoln, Neb. facility was recently spotlighted by CNN Business for its new recruitment strategy. To attract workers who typically aren’t drawn to manufacturing careers, Kawasaki established a 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift — centered around the school day. As a result, the company has seen an influx of new workers, according to the report, including working mothers. 5/11/2022

More Than 40,000 Credentials Earned Under TechCred

Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, recently announced that more than 1,800 Ohio employers have been approved for funding through the TechCred program since 2019, supporting the earning of 40,824 tech-focused credentials by employees.

The current round of TechCred is open through May 31, giving employers another chance to upskill employees and be reimbursed up to $2,000 per credential. See this OMA summary, as well as this insight from OMA Connections Partner HBK to learn more about applying. 5/9/2022

U.S. Labor Secretary Visits Ohio to Focus on Workforce

On April 29, Lorain County Community College — an OMA partner and co-lead of the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership — hosted U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.

During his Ohio visit, the secretary discussed the importance of the Bipartisan Innovation Act, which would merge the U.S. House-passed “America COMPETES Act” with the Senate-passed “United States Innovation and Competition Act.” Walsh also spoke with high school participants in the FlexFactor program, and he took part in a panel discussion on workforce development with representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense, Boeing, and others. 5/2/2022

Robotics as a Recruiting Tool

The Dayton Business Journal (subscription) has published this story on OMA member Staub Manufacturing Solutions for its Xtreme Bots competition, in which high school students design, build, and battle their own robots. The publication quotes OMA board member Steve Staub, the company’s president, as saying his company is fully staffed right now due to recruitment from the Xtreme Bots program.

The Alliance for Working Together — an OMA-endorsed industry sector partnership in northeast Ohio — also held a robotics competition on April 30. Watch this recording of the AWT RoboBots Competition. 5/2/2022

OMA Spotlights Manufacturing Workforce Innovation

In this editorial published by The Lima News, OMA President Ryan Augsburger discusses In-Demand Jobs Week and the importance of growing the manufacturing workforce. He says the keys to ensuring an adequate manufacturing talent pipeline include industry sector partnerships, workforce credentials, next-generation technology, career-tech training, and earn-and-learn opportunities.

“With our manufacturing legacy, Ohio has proved we have what it takes to lead the way in innovation,” Augsburger writes. “But to retain our status as a manufacturing powerhouse, we must continue to grow a capable workforce.” 5/3/2022

Making Ohio Assets Available to Manufacturers Statewide

Making Ohio — the OMA’s research-based brand — was created in 2018 to help spur interest in manufacturing careers. After a facelift last fall, MakingOhio.com remains a great resource to explore manufacturing careers. But there’s more to Making Ohio than the website.

Manufacturers can access marketing resources (at no cost) that can be used to produce T-shirts and other giveaways, social media messages, flyers, and more. These eye-catching assets can be co-branded with your business’ logo to increase career awareness. Check out this how-to guide and complete this application for your Making Ohio marketing assets. 5/3/2022

Lt. Gov. Husted Visits Manufacturing Facilities to Discuss Workforce Challenges

On April 25, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted toured Emerson in Sidney and RōBEX in Perrysburg on visits coordinated by the OMA. While inspecting Emerson’s compressor technology and manufacturing, and RōBEX’s automation expertise, Husted discussed the DeWine administration’s workforce priorities, including promoting STEM education and industry-recognized credentials.

In his comments to the press, the lieutenant governor pointed out that the Toledo area leads the U.S. in robotic automation per capita. If you haven’t already, check out the OMA’s “Automation and Robotics Toolkit” that helps manufacturers (and regional leaders) boost their competitiveness. 4/27/2022

Pictured at Emerson’s Sidney facility are, from left, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted; state Rep. Susan Manchester (R-Waynesfield); Brent Schroeder, group president of HVACR technologies; Dave Conover, vice president of operations; Ryan Augsburger, OMA president; and Ann Runner, vice president of HR. (Photo: Sidney Daily News)