Workforce Management

Survey: Caregiving Is Keeping Americans From Rejoining Workforce

A new survey by the Census Bureau shows 6.6 million Americans aren’t in the U.S. workforce because they are caring for sick or aging parents, spouses, or siblings. As spotlighted by the National Association of Manufacturers, four times as many people are out of the workforce due to caring for spouses, siblings, aging parents, and grandchildren than are out of the workforce caring for their own children. 4/6/2022

Addressing Employees’ Child Care, Transportation Needs

The National Association of Manufacturers reports on the efforts of a Pennsylvania-based plastics film manufacturer that is winning the war for talent by addressing two key concerns of workers: child care and transportation.

According to NAM, the manufacturer is offering subsidized, extended-hours child care, as well as overnight care for the children of third-shift workers. In addition, the company is providing team members with interest-free loans for car repair or replacement — and the business plans to unveil its own car-loan program. 4/7/2022

Measuring Workforce Objectives

When it comes to workforce development, things can get overwhelming. Without clear and relevant objectives, managers have no way of knowing how well or poorly their workforce development program performs, according to this guidance published by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, an OMA Connections Partner.

The guidance notes that key measurables include: first-year turnover rate; voluntary and involuntary turnover rate; internal mobility rate; employee engagement scores; competency assessment scores; and diversity, equity, inclusion scores. 4/7/2022

In-Demand Jobs Week Set for May 2-6

Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted have announced that Ohio’s annual In-Demand Jobs Week is set for May 2-6. This brings another opportunity for students and job seekers to investigate manufacturing’s exciting career pathways, while learning about key credentials for well-paying manufacturing careers.

This year, In-Demand Jobs Week will highlight top jobs that pay more than $50,000 a year and don’t require a degree or years of training — just a credential.

Email the Department of Job and Family Services to add your In-Demand Jobs Week event to this interactive map. Include the event name, date and time, and a short description. 3/31/2022

OMA Webinar: Uncovering Untapped Talent

Struggling to find talent? Manufacturers may be surprised to learn that there are an estimated 27 million “hidden workers” in the U.S., according to a recent report by Harvard Business School and Accenture. On April 21, the OMA will host a webinar to provide guidance on how employers can connect with this untapped talent pool. Register now. 3/28/2022

OMA’s Workforce Roundup

The following are workforce-related developments the OMA is tracking:

• The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition has announced its summer internship program for 10th through 12th grade students.
• The Alliance for Working Together will host manufacturing camps in June for younger students in Lake and Geauga counties.
• Raise the Bar Hancock County has published information for students interested in participating in manufacturing apprenticeships coordinated with Owens Community College.
• The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition will offer an online Lean Six Sigma course starting in May.
• Sidney Daily News reports Edison State Community College is offering a short-term CNC machine tool operator training program, providing employers a chance to upskill workers.

Meanwhile, with the end of the school year quickly approaching, now is a good time for OMA members to explore the high school internship program offered by Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The program reimburses 50% (up to $1,500) of a student intern’s wages. 3/31/2022

Toolkit Helps Manufacturers Transition to Industry 4.0

The OMA recently unveiled its “Automation and Robotics Toolkit” to help Ohio manufacturers expedite their transition to Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. The toolkit offers a four-phase plan, facilitated by regional industry sector partnerships. Download the toolkit by visiting the OMA’s Workforce Services page. 3/24/2022

Ohio Offering Reimbursement for Tech-Related Internships

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation wants to hear from Ohio businesses that are interested in hosting high school tech internships. Recommended internship opportunities include roles with a focus on software development; data, cloud and IT infrastructure; and cybersecurity. Participating businesses are eligible for reimbursement for intern wages.

If your business is interested in this opportunity, contact Sara Tracey with the OMA. 3/24/2022

Experts: Refugees Can Provide Needed Talent

Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services recently hosted a summit to address Ohio’s ability to support Ukrainian refugees. (The U.S. will welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, according to the Biden administration.)

Presenters at the summit urged business leaders to consider refugees as a viable talent source, noting that those who enter the U.S. with refugee status are legally allowed to work immediately and indefinitely.

Here’s more information about Ohio’s refugee services. Also, stay tuned for an announcement regarding an upcoming OMA webinar that will present additional information on hiring refugees. 3/24/2022

On-Demand Webinar: Rethinking Talent Solutions

As the U.S. returns to more normal conditions following the pandemic, what can we expect in workforce retention and development trends? OMA Connections Partner GBQ Partners offers this on-demand webinar in which experts share information about sourcing, retaining, and developing talent in the current labor market. 3/24/2022