Workforce Management

Time to Plan Your Event for In-Demand Jobs Week

In-Demand Jobs Week, set for May 1-5, presents another opportunity for manufacturers to connect with students and job seekers. Employers that want to host an event are encouraged to finalize plans soon.

To add your event to the official In-Demand Jobs Week map, visit this site. If you need help planning your event, email the Department of Job and Family Services for guidance.

To help communicate the value of Ohio manufacturing, the OMA has published this one-page infographic for members to share with students, educators, and parents. 3/29/2023

A Look Inside MAGNET’s Headquarters

MAGNET, which is Northeast Ohio’s MEP and an OMA Connections Partner, was recently profiled by WKYC television in Cleveland. This video report provides a look inside MAGNET’s new facilities, which enable students and job seekers to experience modern manufacturing. 3/27/2023

Report: More Students Turning to Apprenticeships

The Wall Street Journal recently examined what it calls the accelerated shift away from “college-for-all” to vocational programs as the number of apprentices nationwide has increased by more than 50% over the past decade. The story spotlights Indiana, where a consortium of businesses has launched a program to get high school juniors enrolled in two- or three-year apprenticeships. 3/28/2023

Helping Career Switchers Overcome Fear

Manufacturers that are hiring should note that roughly 25% of Americans are considering making a career change in 2023, according to a recent survey. This Forbes article examines five ways to help potential career-switchers mitigate their fears of an occupational change. 3/28/2023

OMA Urges Lawmakers to Fund Workforce Priorities, Industry 4.0 Matching Grant

This week, the OMA told House lawmakers that the proposed workforce investments contained in the DeWine-Husted administration’s two-year budget (House Bill 33) are needed to boost Ohio’s manufacturing competitiveness.

In testimony before the House Finance Subcommittee on Agriculture, Development, and Natural Resources, OMA representative Ann Aquillo urged lawmakers to include an OMA-supported plan to establish the Smart Technology Assistance Program (STAP). The STAP would create a matching grant to encourage manufacturers to invest in new equipment to expand Ohio’s Industry 4.0 capabilities.

See Aquillo’s testimony beginning at 2:58:20 in this video. 3/21/2023

Extra Assistance for Manufactuers’ In-House Training

The Ohio Workforce Partnership — comprised of the OMA and Ohio TechNet — has announced expanded funding opportunities for Ohio manufacturers that have in-house earn-and-learn programs. Qualified manufacturers can earn $500 per trainee through funds provided via the U.S. Department of Labor Scaling Apprenticeship Grant. More details are available here. Email OMA Workforce Services with questions. 3/22/2023

March 31 Deadline for ApprenticeOhio, TechCred

Manufacturers with apprentices have until Friday, March 31 to apply for training reimbursement grants through ApprenticeOhio. Eligible manufacturers can be reimbursed up to $2,500 per apprentice (for up to 10 apprentices) to help cover training and tool expenses. OMA Connections Partner William Vaughan has more details.

Also, applications for the current round of TechCred are due by 3 p.m. March 31. Employers can receive up to $30,000 per round ($180,000 a year) to upskill employees. OMA Connections Partner HBK has published this insight.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted reported this week that as many as 4,237 workers will receive technology-related credentials under TechCred’s January 2023 funding round. 3/21/2023

Webinar: Preparing for MFG Day

On April 6, the Manufacturing Institute will host a complimentary webinar for manufacturers and their supporters who want to learn about Manufacturing Day and how to host an MFG Day event. Click here for more information, including how to register. 3/22/2023

Higher Ed Cost Transparency Bill Introduced

Legislation to bring more transparency to higher education costs is being considered in the Ohio House. House Bill 27 would require state institutions of higher education — including universities and colleges, community colleges, and technical colleges — to provide a financial cost and aid disclosure forms. See the bill summary.

Notably, the bill would require disclosure of a student’s expected earnings after graduation, as well as his/her monthly education loan payments. 3/23/2023

Survey: Worries About Filling Tech-Related Openings

As reported by HR Dive, a new survey shows 90% of HR leaders are extremely, very, or somewhat concerned that current recruiting methods won’t be enough to fill open tech-related positions. But in-house training, apprenticeships, and hiring from boot camps could help overcome the skills gap.

In Ohio, the DeWine-Husted administration and the OMA are recommending major workforce investments via the state budget to address talent shortages and the skills gap, including in tech-related fields such as manufacturing. See the OMA’s most recent edition of Retooling Ohio for details. 3/14/2023