Workforce Management

Creators Wanted Returns to Ohio

Just in time for In-Demand Jobs Week, the Creators Wanted campaign has made another stop in Ohio — this time at the Honda Heritage Center in Marysville.

On May 4, Sara Tracey, the OMA’s managing director for workforce services, joined Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee, Honda Executive Vice President Bob Nelson, and students from Bellfontaine and Piqua for the event. Students toured Honda’s facility and the Creators Wanted interactive traveling display.

The display will be open to the public in Columbus on Saturday, May 6 as part of the COSI Science Festival. 5/4/2023

Reminder: MFG Day Planning Webinar, May 11

To help manufacturers and their partners prepare for Manufacturing Day (Oct. 6) and Manufacturing Month (October), the Manufacturing Institute will host a complimentary webinar at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 11. It’s not too early to begin planning your MFG Day event! 5/3/2023

May 31 Is TechCred Application Deadline

Manufacturers have until Wednesday, May 31 to apply for the current round of TechCred. This popular reimbursement program pairs employers with eligible training providers, such as a community college.

Employers can receive up to $30,000 per round ($180,000 a year) to upskill employees. For a list of qualifying credentials and providers, click here. 5/1/2023

New Video, Toolkit Spotlight Career Pathways

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation has launched new resources for students, parents, and teachers to learn about career pathways available to high school students. Manufacturing-related pathways are prominently featured.

Watch the video and download the toolkit. Both spotlight industry-recognized credentials, Ohio’s career technical education system, and pre-apprenticeships. 5/2/2023

In-Demand Jobs Week Map Highlights Week’s Activities

Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week is May 1-5. Check out dozens of posted events at the official In-Demand Jobs Week map. Manufacturing-specific events include a mini job fair in Middleport and the Smart Manufacturing In Action career program in Lorain County.

Be sure to watch for (and repost) OMA social media messages that will be posted throughout the week on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. 4/26/2023

Skilled Trade Programs Booming, Data Show

While U.S. college enrollment at four-year and two-year institutions has declined since peaking in 2010, trade programs — think certificate and short-term credentials — have seen double-digit increases in participation, according to data.

LinkedIn recently shared insights from experts who encourage educators to consider more ways to collaborate with local employers, including through apprenticeships. Businesses, meanwhile, are encouraged to work more closely with education partners at every level, and to do so long before students near graduation. 4/25/2026

U.S. Semiconductor Center Seeks to Grow Workforce

The U.S. Commerce Department has announced it will create a National Semiconductor Technology Center, a new consortium aimed at boosting U.S. R&D and growing the industry’s workforce. Authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS Act, the center will eventually include a network of technical sites across the country. See this fact sheet. 4/25/2023

OMA Goes to Bat for Workforce Investments

On April 19, Whirlpool Corporation’s Monica Brown, the company’s human resources regional director, testified before the House Finance Committee on behalf of the OMA in support of historic workforce development investments in the two-year state budget proposed by the DeWine-Husted administration. Read Brown’s testimony. Or watch her testimony at the 1:38:47 mark of this video.

Earlier in the week, Ohio House leaders introduced their version of the budget. (See related stories.) The House plan would significantly reduce the governor’s funding level for career-tech construction projects, from $200 million to $100 million.

Brown urged House lawmakers to restore the governor’s funding level for the career-tech construction program. She also urged representatives to establish the OMA-supported Smart Technologies Assistance Program (STAP) to create a new manufacturing equipment grant, and to preserve funding for the popular TechCred and industry sector partnership grants. 4/19/2023

OMA Board Member: In-Demand Jobs Week Is Chance to Spotlight Manufacturing

In-Demand Jobs Week, set for May 1-5, presents another opportunity for manufacturers to connect with students and job seekers, according to OMA board member Steve Staub, president of Staub Manufacturing Solutions.

In an April 19 editorial published by the Dayton Daily News, Staub offers important points he shares with young people who are exploring manufacturing careers. Read the editorial. 4/20/2023

Workforce Roundup: Creators Wanted Returns to Ohio

• Creators Wanted — the workforce campaign of the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute — will return to Ohio May 3-4, visiting Marysville. More details will be shared soon.
• The OMA encourages members to participate in this Industry-Recognized Credential Feedback Survey from the Ohio Department of Education. Manufacturers’ input will help officials determine the value of industry-recognized credentials earned by high school students.
• On April 27, the OMA is hosting a 10 a.m. webinar to highlight workforce development opportunities using Tooling U-SME, an Ohio-based organization that produces learning system software, certifications, and content for manufacturers. Learn more.
• Also on April 27, the Manufacturing Institute will host a webinar to showcase its second-chance hiring toolkit. Register here.
• The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is hosting a Gen Z Virtual Career Fair. Employers can learn more here.

Finally, for manufacturers in the Miami Valley, OMA Connections Partner Clark State College will host virtual sessions starting April 26 on how to upskill and reskill your team with the help of a federal grant that aims to provide individuals with credentials and degrees. Learn more. 4/20/2023