Workforce Management

Major Workforce Investments Planned for Dayton, Springfield Areas

Sinclair Community College, which serves the Dayton area, is proposing an advanced manufacturing hub to boost the region’s skilled labor pool. According to a report by the Dayton Business Journal (subscription), the Center for Advanced Manufacturing “would develop a national model integrating employers and educators.”

Meanwhile, Clark State College in Springfield plans to use part of a $145 million grant to launch a “smart factory” providing micro-credentials in mechatronics, industrial automation, and Industry 4.0, according to the Journal. 5/18/2021

Tell the OMA About Your Workforce Development Events

Is your business or sector partnership hosting a webinar, open house, or similar event to promote careers in manufacturing? Perhaps an earn-and-learn (apprenticeship) opportunity or a new workforce initiative?

If so, the OMA wants to share the news via our social media (on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook) to help you reach a wider audience while raising awareness of manufacturing careers statewide. Email us your news.

Don’t forget to share your success stories after an event! We love to share the good work you’re doing with fellow OMA members and partners. 5/19/2021

Another Source of Talent: Ohio’s MEP Intern Program

OMA member Superior Aluminum Products of Shelby County has been spotlighted in a report on the success of Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and its intern program, which pairs high school and trade school students with manufacturers. Doug Borchers, president of Superior Aluminum, told Spectrum News the program is a win-win for manufactures and students.

The MEP High School Internship Program reimburses up to $1,500 of a student intern’s wages. Last year, 80% of MEP interns were offered full-time employment by the end of their internship. For more details, contact your regional Ohio MEP partner or email MEP@development.ohio.gov. 5/11/2021

Host an Ohio Teacher This Summer

The Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP) — a collaboration of the OMA and Ohio TechNet — is looking for a few good manufacturers able to host a teacher this summer as part of OMWP’s Industry 4.0 externship program. In this training, Ohio teachers will be connected to automation and robotics resources, receive mentorship, and earn credentials so they can incorporate this knowledge into their curriculum.

OMWP is specifically looking for manufacturers that use Fanuc/Rockwell equipment to host teachers for two-and-a-half days in July or August. Interested? Fill out this form and email it to Lori Baukus at Lorain County Community College. Or call (440) 822-6924. 5/11/2021

Another Look at Second Chance Hiring

The Manufacturing Institute — the workforce and education arm of the National Association of Manufacturers — will host a June 10 webinar for manufacturing leaders interested in starting, enhancing, or sustaining their current second chance hiring efforts.

If you missed the OMA’s recent webinar on how returning citizens can provide a talent boost for manufacturers, access the recorded webinar and handouts at your convenience. 5/10/2021

Rhodes State Aims to Boost Supply of CNC Machinists

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted visited Lima last week to get a firsthand look at Rhodes State College’s Uniquely Abled Academy, which teaches individuals with highly functioning autism the skills needed to become CNC machinists. The Uniquely Abled Academy — supported by the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (WCOMP), an OMA endorsed sector partnership — is the second academy of its kind in the U.S.

Learn more about the academy and watch this local news story on Lt. Gov. Husted’s visit. 5/10/2021

Study: 2.1M Manufacturing Jobs Could Go Unfilled by 2030

America’s manufacturing skills gap could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by the end of the decade, according to a new study by The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The cost of these unfilled jobs could hit $1 trillion in 2030 alone. Here is NAM’s press release, as well as coverage from CNN Business.

The study found that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives could help manufacturers fill many openings. This is why, as part of its earn-and-learn initiatives, the OMA has emphasized recruiting women, minorities, military veterans, and ex-offenders – populations that traditionally have been under-represented in manufacturing. 5/4/2021

How to Hire High School Students

Last year, Ohio implemented its Manufacturing Mentorship Program. Under this OMA-supported program, manufacturers are able to employ 16- and 17-year-olds on a part-time basis in manufacturing occupations.

With the school year winding down, OMA members may want to consider hiring high school students to strengthen their talent pipeline. To participate in this program, manufacturing employers must:

1. Set a duration of employment;
2. Assign a mentor to the minor;
3. Provide required training; and
4. Encourage participation in career tech programs.

The OMA has created this short reference document for manufacturers to take advantage of the program.

On a related note, the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has a program to reimburse employers 50% of intern wages (up to $1,500 per student) until Sept. 30. 5/3/2021

OMA Accepting Applications for Industry Sector Partnership Endorsements

In 2019, the OMA introduced its industry sector partnership (ISP) endorsement criteria to spotlight and recognize the best practices of these collaborative partnerships. The criteria require a partnership to be, among other things, industry-led and focused on manufacturing.

To be recognized as an OMA-endorsed partnership, organizations are asked to submit a supply/demand analysis and strategic plan. To date, 13 ISPs have earned the OMA’s endorsement.

The application period for new and renewed endorsed ISPs is open until June 30. The OMA encourages new and emerging sector partnerships to apply for endorsement, which ensures access to additional resources and technical assistance from the OMA’s Workforce Services team. (Endorsed partnerships are required to apply for renewal every other year.)

Submit your completed initial or renewal application to Sara Tracey. 5/7/2021

On-Demand Webinar: Returning Citizens as a Talent Source

Last week, approximately 150 members and guests tuned in for the OMA’s webinar on how formerly incarcerated individuals — or returning citizens — can provide a much-needed talent boost for manufacturers. The webinar spotlighted the second-chance hiring initiative of OMA member Mansfield Engineered Components (MEC), while providing key information on how other manufacturers can recruit from this often-overlooked labor source.

Steve Cummins, co-owner and operator of MEC, said the company’s initiative was rooted in the need for employees. While some supervisors or managers may be hesitant about recruiting returning citizens, Cummins said companies will often find they’re “going to get some of their best employees” from this pool of prospects. Access the recorded webinar and handouts at your convenience. If you have questions, email the OMA’s Sara Tracey.

Meanwhile, at the national level, the Manufacturing Institute is also working to expand second-chance hiring opportunities. 4/26/2021