Workforce Management

Fishy Tactic Attracts New Manufacturing Workers

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) — an OMA Connections Partner — has spotlighted the unique recruiting tactics of a Minnesota manufacturer.

In January, Superior Industries conducted walk-in interviews inside fish houses on a nearby lake, appealing to applicants who enjoy the outdoor sporting life. The company is expected to add somewhere between 50 and 60 new employees as a direct result of its fish house interviews.

To retain employees, the company offers developmental classes — in coordination with a local university — in areas such as leadership training, computer training, and personal finance. 3/23/2022

Whirlpool, Owens Illinois Leaders Spotlighted

Monica Pacheco of Owens Illinois and Amy Doroff and Tyra Woodruff of Whirlpool Corp. were recently spotlighted by the Toledo Blade (subscription) as recipients of The Manufacturing Institute’s 2022 STEP Ahead Award, which recognizes women leaders in the industry.

The Blade quotes Doroff as providing this advice for young women considering manufacturing careers: “There are now more female leaders available that (young females) should look to, but if there isn’t someone there, then it might be you who is going to be that person. … It’s an amazing field to be a part of.” 3/15/2022

COMP Announces Automation and Robotics Training

The Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP) — an OMA-endorsed industry sector partnership — has announced its launch of a new, 600-hour workforce training program in automation and robotics. The training will be conducted by Career and Technology Education Centers (C-TEC) in Licking County.

The program was developed using a regional design process described in the newly published “Automation and Robotics Toolkit,” which provides manufacturers and their partners a framework to build their automation and robotics workforce plan.

In Ohio, the demand for robotics technicians is expected to increase by 17% by 2028, according to COMP’s automation and robotics webpage. 3/15/2022

Interested in Hosting a Manufacturing Camp for Kids?

At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown will conduct a virtual mini-summit for Ohio entities interested in hosting a manufacturing camp for kids this summer.

The program will include presentations on creative ways to host a camp, as well as a chance to gather ideas and plans from other participants. To register for this mini-summit, email Jordan Pennell with Sen. Brown’s staff, or call (216) 522-7272. 3/16/2022

Strategies to Help Manufacturers Win Talent

OMA Connections Partner Gilmore Jasion Mahler has published this article titled “Four Strategies to Help Manufacturers Win Talent.” Selling your technological advantages, facilitating remote or hybrid work arrangements, leveraging shifting demographics, and creating career opportunities are critical, according to the firm’s insight. 3/16/2022

Study: Ohio’s a Leader in Career-Technical Education

Ohio is fortunate to have a strong network of career-technical education options that prepare high school students for the work world. This includes 49 career-technical planning districts statewide.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently published this national comparison of career-technical education teachers in America’s high schools. Ohio is the nation’s No. 2 state for the overall number of career-technical education teachers — and the No. 4 state for the highest concentration of career/technical educators. 3/15/2022

SW Ohio Schools Kickoff Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Fourteen high school seniors in southwestern Ohio are the first beneficiaries of a new pre-apprenticeship program focused on modern manufacturing and improving workforce inclusion. Kings High School in Warren County and Goshen High School in Clermont County are the first high schools in the state to participate in this pre-apprenticeship program in collaboration with Festo Didactic.

Festo is one of several OMA members and OEMs that are contributing to Ohio’s Industry 4.0 (or smart manufacturing) workforce strategy, while also spotlighting manufacturing career pathways. 3/10/2022

OMA Workforce Roundup

Here’s a summary of recent workforce-related developments the OMA is following:

• Beginning March 14, the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition — an OMA-endorsed industry sector partnership — will host a series of workshops for small and mid-sized manufacturers to help boost recruitment and improve training.
• OMA Connections Partner HBK has published this reminder that the current funding round of Ohio TechCred remains open through March 31.
• The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has launched a new campaign to close the gender gap in the manufacturing workforce. The initiative aims to increase women’s representation in manufacturing from 29% today to 35% in 2030.
• NAM recently spotlighted the workforce development efforts and state-of-the-art training facilities of OMA member Lincoln Electric.

If you haven’t already, register now for the OMA’s March 24 webinar on recruiting military talent. 3/10/2022

OMA Workforce Round-Up

Here’s a summary of recent workforce developments and upcoming events:

• On March 24, the OMA will host a 10 a.m. webinar to highlight best practices on how manufacturers can attract separating military members (and their spouses) to manufacturing careers. Register today.
• OMA Connections Partner GBQ Partners will host a no-cost webinar at 11 a.m. March 23 to share Ohio-specific information about sourcing, retaining, and developing talent in the current labor environment.

In a March 2 editorial at Cleveland.com, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons spotlighted the OMA’s efforts “to give people a chance to access competitive pay, benefits and the thrill of being a creator, regardless of their educational background or where they’re coming from.”

New Round of TechCred Funding Is Now Open

The latest round of TechCred is underway through March 31 (3 p.m. deadline). Here’s guidance regarding the program and how to apply. Businesses of all sizes are eligible.

For the remainder of this year, TechCred application periods will open on a bi-monthly basis, as follows: May 2–31; July 1–29; Sept. 1–30; and Nov. 1–30. 3/1/2022