Workforce Management

House Releases Revised State Budget Plan

Ohio lawmakers this week intensified their focus on the state’s two-year spending plan, as the House Finance Committee adopted its substitute budget bill (House Bill 33).

Among other provisions, the House budget would reduce Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed workforce investments by $260 million. The House changes include removal of the governor’s WorkFORCE Ohio program, which would assess Ohio’s critical educational and training needs to ensure a skilled workforce, as well as 50% reduction in the governor’s proposed $200 million for career-tech facility expansions.

This article from Hannah News Service captures the highlights of the House budget. This 587-page document compares the House provisions to those in the governor’s budget.

The House is expected to finalize its version of the operating budget next week. Following House approval, the budget will be considered by the Senate. 4/19/2023

Female Employment in U.S. Manufacturing Nears 30%

U.S. manufacturing reported 3,775,000 female employees in March, or 29.1% of its total employment. Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers, says since early 2020, female employment in the nation’s manufacturing sector has risen by 107,000 workers (nearly 3%). Male employment has increased by 91,000 (1%) during the same period. 4/11/2023

Veterans’ Hiring Event at Wright-Patterson, April 27

On April 27, the U.S. Chamber is hosting its “Hiring Our Heroes” jobs fair at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Hope Hotel on April 27. The event — which seeks to link employers with veterans, military spouses, and active-duty personnel transitioning to civilian life — will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register or learn more. 4/11/2023

Learning Event: Automation Transformation, April 21

On Friday, April 21 in Elyria, Lorain County Community College and OMA Connections Partner MAGNET will conduct a complimentary in-person learning event to explore how automation and robotics are building upon Ohio manufacturing’s legacy. The event includes a tour of LCCC’s Campana Center for Ideation and Invention. Learn more. 4/13/2023

Sponsorship Opportunities for 2023 Workforce Summit

The OMA recently announced that the 2023 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit has been set for Nov. 8 at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville. Registration details will be released this summer.

This is one of the OMA’s most popular events of the year, typically drawing more than 400 participants from across Ohio. Sponsorship packages are available. If your company is interested in sponsoring the summit, see this summary or email the OMA’s Nick Miller for details. 4/13/2023

SW Ohio Initiative Aims to Grow Manufacturing Talent

This week, the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership (AMIP) — an OMA-endorsed industry sector partnership (ISP) — kicked off its collaborative workforce development action plan, funded by the federal Good Jobs Challenge.

Ohio’s $23.5 million Goods Jobs grant was secured by the OMA in 2022 to provide direct assistance to local ISPs to coordinate, develop, and promote manufacturing workforce solutions.

Attending this week’s AMIP event were Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, OMA staff, and several AMIP partners. (See media reports here and here.) Over the next two years, the initiative aims to recruit 70 high school seniors from Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont, and Brown counties to expand southwest Ohio’s manufacturing talent pool. 4/5/2023

Reimbursement Opportunity for Tech-Related Internships

Round three of Ohio’s High School Tech Internship pilot program is now open for applications. Businesses are encouraged to apply for the program, which reimburses employers for hosting high school interns in tech-related roles. Learn more or email the Ohio Department of Development for more information. 4/5/2023

Stark County Forum Focuses on Workforce Growth

OMA President Ryan Augsburger and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose were among the speakers at the Canton Regional Chamber’s “State of the Workforce Forum,” hosted by Stark State College. Topics included Intel’s forthcoming facilities and their anticipated economic benefits.

As reported by CantonRep.com, Stark State College President Para Jones told attendees that many manufacturers have partnered with the college to enhance learn-and-earn opportunities for workers. 4/4/2023

OMA Continues Call for Workforce Investment

The OMA this week continued its advocacy for workforce investments in the state’s two-year budget (House Bill 33). In testimony before the House Finance Committee, Linn Yost — owner of Micro Machine Works in Washington County and an Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) leader in southeast Ohio — highlighted manufacturers’ support for continued investment in ISP grants, career-tech education centers, and TechCred.

Yost also testified in support of the creation of a competitive manufacturing equipment grant — the Smart Technologies Assistance Program — to help small and mid-sized manufacturers invest in smart technologies. These grants would help ensure Ohio keeps pace with evolving Industry 4.0 technology.

Watch Yost’s testimony at the start of this video. 3/30/2023

OMA to Lawmakers: Pass Education Department Reform

The OMA this week urged Ohio House lawmakers to pass Senate-approved legislation to enhance the state’s K-12 education system and place more focus on workforce readiness and skills.

In testimony to the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee, the OMA noted that Senate Bill 1 would establish the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce with two divisions — one to oversee traditional K-12, and one to oversee career-technical education. See the bill summary. 3/28/2023