Workforce

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) convened its Workforce Committee this week to discuss workforce programs and priorities shaping Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. OMA’s operating report included updates on key initiatives advancing across the state, including the Career Ambassador Program, Technician Fast Track, and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s recently announced Career Technical Education Access Grant, which will expand WorkAdvance into high schools across 10 schools in Ohio in partnership with their local Industry Sector Partnerships.

The meeting also continued the committee’s discussion around AI and Smart Manufacturing, with Honda and Staub Manufacturing Solutions sharing how they are approaching this work within their companies. Their perspectives provided practical insight into how peers are exploring emerging technologies, identifying use cases and considering the workforce implications of AI adoption.

The meeting featured guest presentations from JobsOhio and the Manufacturing Institute on timely workforce opportunities. JobsOhio shared more about its new Experiential Learning Incentive initiative and how it can support technician talent development efforts, while Jordan Morang with the Manufacturing Institute shared how federal workforce priorities and investments, including Registered Apprenticeships, are shaping opportunities across the industry.

“Ohio is putting more tools on the table to help employers build the skilled workforce they need, but the real value comes from making those programs practical and easy to use,” said Jessica Borza, managing director of workforce services for the OMA. “This committee gives manufacturers a place to hear what is working, learn from one another and help shape workforce solutions around the realities they face every day.” 8/12/2026

Smart Manufacturing is not just a technology challenge. It is a workforce challenge, too.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, OMA will host the final webinar in its Smart Manufacturing series, focused on the skills, training strategies and workforce planning needed to support successful technology adoption.

Conrad Leiva of CESMII and Jim Wetzel of NxGen Group will discuss how companies can prepare employees for changing roles, build internal capabilities and work with outside experts and education partners as operations become more connected and automated.

The webinar runs from 11 a.m. to noon and is offered at no cost to OMA members and partners. Register now to make sure your workforce is ready for what comes next. 8/14/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) invites high schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities to join the new OMA Workforce Training Partner Program and be included in the inaugural OMA Workforce Training Directory.

The directory will help manufacturers identify regional education and training partners, strengthen talent pipelines, expand apprenticeships and work-based learning, and connect with programs aligned to manufacturing workforce needs.

Schools that join the Workforce Training Partner Program by August 31, 2026, are eligible for inclusion in the inaugural Workforce Training Directory, increasing visibility across Ohio and strengthening connections with manufacturers.

Submit your interest form to be part of this first statewide resource connecting manufacturers with Ohio’s workforce training partners. 8/7/2026

Jessica Borza, managing director of workforce services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, attended her first meeting Wednesday as a new member of the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board at Tolles Career and Technical Center.

Kyle Fulton of the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership also presented on WorkAdvance and Technician Fast Track, showing how employer-led programs can move people into in-demand manufacturing careers and help companies build the skilled workforce they need.

“Jessica understands that workforce programs only work when employers are at the table,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of advocacy and energy services. “She will make sure manufacturers have a strong voice as Ohio works to connect more people with the skills and opportunities our industry needs.” 8/5/2026

Gov. Mike DeWine has announced a $3.2 million investment to expand manufacturing career-technical education in communities where students currently lack access to such programs.

“Ohio cannot grow its manufacturing economy without a stronger pipeline of skilled workers,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “These grants will help schools build programs around the skills employers actually need and give more students a direct path to good-paying manufacturing careers.”

The investment builds on the OMA’s proven WorkAdvance model and will expand hands-on manufacturing learning through K-12 career-tech satellite programs. Ten career-technical planning districts and Ohio technical centers will each receive $320,000, creating approximately 300 new student seats.

Through its partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, OMA will support implementation alongside regional Industry Sector Partnerships. These partnerships will help connect schools with manufacturers, shape employer-driven curriculum and create paid work-based learning opportunities.

Participating OMA-endorsed partnerships include the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership; Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition; BESTOhio; Central Ohio Manufacturers’ Partnership; Dayton Region Manufacturers Association; Regional Manufacturing Coalition; TEAM Tuscarawas; and the Workforce Partnership of Putnam County.

Programs will be developed during the 2026-27 school year and are expected to begin serving students by the start of the 2027-28 school year. 7/27/2026

Technician roles continue to be a critical workforce need for Ohio manufacturers. To help employers learn more about the Technician Fast Track program, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will host a virtual informational session on Wednesday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. The session is designed for manufacturers interested in learning more about the program model and exploring whether it could align with their workforce needs.

Technician Fast Track is a one-year earn-and-learn model designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and stronger alignment with real workforce needs. This informational session will give manufacturers a clearer view of how the program works, participation expectations, available supports, and how Technician Fast Track can fit into their broader workforce strategy.

Manufacturers interested in exploring Technician Fast Track can complete the interest form to reserve their spot for the informational session. OMA will follow up directly with session details and the Zoom meeting link. 7/23/2026

On Thursday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to noon, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will host the second webinar in its Smart Manufacturing webinar series in partnership with CESMII, focused on helping manufacturers move from interest to a more structured path for adoption.

The session will provide a practical look at CESMII’s Smart Manufacturing Roadmap process and how it helps manufacturers evaluate opportunities, clarify priorities, and plan next steps. Participants will learn how roadmapping can support decision-making around Smart Manufacturing investments, implementation planning, and workforce considerations, while connecting manufacturers with available resources, certified expertise, and Ohio partner support.

Manufacturers are encouraged to register for the webinar to better understand how the roadmapping process can help identify the next practical steps for Smart Manufacturing adoption. 7/16/2026

The Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP), an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP), has launched its Technician Fast Track cohort in partnership with Tolles Career & Technical Center as the related technical instruction provider. COMP is the second ISP to kick off a Technician Fast Track cohort, marking continued momentum for the statewide implementation of OMA’s employer-led technician talent model.

Developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers, Technician Fast Track is a one-year earn-and-learn model designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and alignment with real workforce needs. Participating manufacturers in COMP’s cohort include Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Engineered Profiles, Worthington Enterprises, Inc., and Cycle Start.

The launch reflects how manufacturers, ISPs, and education providers are working together to create repeatable pathways for developing entry-level technicians. Through COMP’s coordination and Tolles’ instructional partnership, the cohort will help participating employers build technician talent while supporting learners as they gain skills connected directly to manufacturing career opportunities. 7/16/2026

Interest continues to grow in the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) new Workforce Training Partner Program, which will launch the statewide OMA Workforce Training Directory this fall.

The directory will connect manufacturers with schools, career centers, Ohio Technical Centers, colleges, and universities that are preparing Ohio’s future manufacturing workforce. By creating a centralized resource, the directory will help manufacturers identify education and training partners, strengthen regional talent pipelines, expand apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities, and connect with programs aligned to industry workforce needs.

Education and training providers that join the Workforce Training Partner Program will increase their visibility with Ohio manufacturers while demonstrating their commitment to workforce alignment and industry engagement.

Schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities interested in participating are encouraged to submit an interest form to learn more about becoming an OMA Workforce Training Partner before the Directory launches this fall. 7/8/2026

Following the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) recent Build Your Technician Talent Pathway webinar, manufacturers have another opportunity to learn more about Technician Fast Track and explore whether the program could be a fit for their workforce needs. The OMA will host a virtual informational session on Wednesday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom for manufacturers interested in taking a deeper look at the program model and next steps for participation.

Technician Fast Track is a one-year earn-and-learn model designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and stronger alignment with real workforce needs. This informational session will give manufacturers a clearer view of how the program works, participation expectations, available supports, and how Technician Fast Track can fit into their broader workforce strategy.

Manufacturers interested in exploring Technician Fast Track can complete the interest form to reserve their spot for the informational session. OMA will follow up directly with session details and the Zoom meeting link. 6/29/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) recently hosted the Build Your Technician Talent Pathway webinar focused on how manufacturers can strengthen technician talent pathways through Technician Fast Track. Developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers, the employer-led earn-and-learn model is designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and alignment to real job requirements.

During the session, participants heard from panelists Alex Hertzer of Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, Jackie Ruller of Youngstown State University, and Ashley Woloschak of Xaloy on how Technician Fast Track can help manufacturers address technician hiring and training challenges while accelerating talent development. Panelists shared how the employer-led model creates stronger alignment between classroom instruction and real job requirements, supports structured on-the-job learning, and helps learners build skills through coordinated pathways supported by manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships and training providers.

The conversation reinforced the importance of employer-led workforce solutions that connect training more directly to workplace needs while creating scalable approaches to technician development across Ohio.

Explore and register for upcoming OMA Workforce events to stay engaged in conversations around workforce strategies, talent development models, and resources for Ohio manufacturers. 6/25/2026

Ohio manufacturers have consistently called for an easier way to identify education and training partners aligned to workforce needs. This fall, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will launch the OMA Workforce Training Partner Program, anchored by a new statewide Workforce Training Directory that connects manufacturers with schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities preparing Ohio’s future manufacturing workforce.

The program creates a clear pathway for education and training providers to form strategic partnerships with OMA and manufacturers, increasing visibility and strengthening alignment between schools and industry workforce needs.

The Workforce Training Directory will serve as a centralized resource for manufacturers to:

– Identify regional education and training partners

– Strengthen talent pipelines

– Expand apprenticeships and work-based learning

– Connect with programs aligned to manufacturing competencies

Education and training providers interested in strengthening alignment with Ohio manufacturers are encouraged to submit the interest form to learn more about the Workforce Training Partner Program. 6/25/2026

Adam Snyder, President and COO of Talan Products and Chair of the OMA Workforce Leadership Committee, participated in a panel discussion during the JobsOhio Q2 public Board of Directors Meeting on June 17 focused on the state’s new Experiential Learning Initiative.

The discussion highlighted the alignment between the JobsOhio incentive, which provides employers up to $10,000 per employee enrolled in approved earn-and-learn pathways, and OMA’s Technician Fast Track Program, a one-year registered apprenticeship designed to accelerate the development of manufacturing technicians. Snyder shared the employer perspective on implementing earn-and-learn programs and discussed how these investments can help manufacturers build skilled talent pipelines while creating career advancement opportunities for Ohio workers.

The conversation reinforced the importance of employer-led workforce solutions, and the role manufacturers play in shaping Ohio’s future workforce. 6/17/2026

The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC), an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership, launched the first Technician Fast Track cohort on June 15 at Youngstown State University’s Excellence Training Center. As the inaugural cohort to begin training through OMA’s statewide implementation, this marks a major milestone in advancing Ohio’s employer-led technician model and demonstrates how manufacturers, education providers, and regional partners are working together to strengthen technician talent pathways.

Technician Fast Track was developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers to accelerate technician talent development and strengthen alignment between training and real workforce needs. The one-year earn-and-learn model combines structured on-the-job training with related technical instruction, creating a repeatable pathway to prepare entry-level technicians for careers in manufacturing.

The inaugural MVMC cohort includes participants from manufacturers, including Humtown Products, Starr Manufacturing, and Xaloy, and reflects the collaborative approach behind the program’s design and implementation. Delivered in partnership with Youngstown State University and additional employers, the cohort represents an important step in expanding employer-led workforce solutions that prepare individuals for long-term career growth while helping manufacturers build stronger technician talent pipelines. 6/15/2026

Battelle recently announced $968,000 in funding through its 2026 Central Ohio STEM Grants, supporting 16 nonprofit organizations that will expand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning opportunities for more than 14,000 students and 1,400 educators across the region. The investment continues Battelle’s long-standing commitment to strengthening STEM education and preparing future generations of innovators and problem-solvers.

Among this year’s recipients is the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership, an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership. Through its funded initiative, 500 high school students will solve engineering challenges in after-school workshops led by mentors and manufacturing professionals. Math, AI, and design will be integrated throughout the experience to help students build awareness of manufacturing careers and future workforce opportunities.

These investments reinforce the importance of early career engagement, giving students opportunities to explore STEM and manufacturing careers before entering the workforce. 6/18/2026

More than 500 teachers, school leaders and STEM educators gathered this week at the Greater Columbus Convention Center for the fourth annual Ohio STEM Innovation Summit, hosted by the Ohio STEM Learning Network.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) attended to highlight modern manufacturing careers and showcase the important role educators play in helping students move beyond outdated perceptions of the industry as dirty, dark and dangerous.

Dr. Ken Poland, OMA director of research and documentation, also previewed this year’s #STEMmakesOhio Statewide Design Challenge, which will ask K-12 students to reimagine how materials, components and products could be made in new, unusual or unexpected environments, from outer space and underwater to deserts and ships.

“Participating in the summit gave OMA a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the educators who are helping students think about their futures,” Poland said. “The #STEMmakesOhio challenge is a great way to show students that manufacturing is creative, technical and full of possibility, and we want manufacturers to help shape the real-world problems students are asked to solve.”

Members interested in suggesting focus areas for students to explore, or getting involved in the challenge, can contact OMA to learn more. 6/10/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) this week applauded JobsOhio’s new Experiential Learning Initiative, a $300 million, 10-year effort to expand earn-and-learn opportunities tied to in-demand careers across Ohio.

The first phase will focus on technician training, a critical need for manufacturers that rely on skilled workers to build, maintain and operate advanced equipment and production systems. JobsOhio estimates Ohio will need 540,000 STEM and technically skilled workers over the next decade, with technicians accounting for 43% of that demand.

“Ohio’s workforce challenge will not be solved by hoping more people find these careers on their own,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Manufacturers need a stronger pipeline of skilled talent, and Ohioans need clearer pathways into good careers. Experiential learning helps connect both sides of that equation.”

The initiative will support technician training efforts at Youngstown State University, with support from the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition. OMA is also developing its own one-year technician earn-and-learn program to prepare entry-level workers for advanced manufacturing careers.

The investment comes as manufacturers across the state continue to face growing demand for technicians who can keep modern production systems running. Done right, the initiative can help connect employer demand, regional training partnerships and Ohioans looking for a clear path into good manufacturing careers. 6/9/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) this week urged lawmakers to support Senate Bill 328, saying Ohio must reach students earlier with clear, consistent career guidance if the state is going to meet its long-term workforce needs.

Testifying before the House Education Committee, Lindsey Daniels, HR manager for GFS Chemicals, said manufacturers continue to face workforce shortages and need stronger alignment between schools, students and employers.

“Career decisions begin earlier than many realize, and students cannot prepare for opportunities they do not understand exist,” Daniels said. “Providing structured exposure to career pathways before high school helps increase participation in career-technical education, manufacturing pathways and other high-demand programs.”

Daniels also highlighted OMA’s Career Ambassador Program, which trains manufacturers to engage more effectively with K-12 students and educators by translating manufacturing careers into student-friendly language, connecting classroom subjects to real careers and reinforcing professional skills.

“Meaningful career exploration requires intentional engagement,” Daniels said. “Simply sending a technical expert into a classroom is not enough.”

OMA said Senate Bill 328 aligns with proven strategies already working across Ohio, while encouraging lawmakers to ensure sustainable funding, flexibility for districts and a phased implementation timeline. 6/8/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is proud to announce that its WorkAdvance model has been officially approved by ApprenticeOhio as a state-recognized Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This achievement reflects the success of OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), which have implemented and scaled the model across Ohio to meet manufacturers’ workforce needs while creating stronger pathways into manufacturing careers.

The designation validates WorkAdvance as a proven employer-led workforce strategy that prepares individuals for manufacturing careers and creates direct connections to employment and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, including OMA’s new Technician Fast Track Program. Recognized by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as a 12-point industry-recognized credential toward Ohio’s high school graduation requirements, the designation also creates additional opportunities for students to engage in manufacturing career pathways while supporting both graduation and future employment success.

This achievement reflects the commitment and collaboration of manufacturers, ISPs, education providers, and workforce partners to build a stronger manufacturing talent pipeline and expand access to high-quality career opportunities throughout Ohio. 6/10/2026

Join the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association on June 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. for the Build Your Technician Pathway webinar to hear how Ohio is approaching technician development through the Technician Fast Track Program. Built with input from more than 45 manufacturers, Technician Fast Track is designed as an employer-led model that combines structured on-the-job training, aligned technical instruction, and regional partnership coordination to accelerate technician talent development.

The webinar will feature perspectives from partners involved in the inaugural cohort, including Alex Hertzer of Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, Ashley Woloschak of Xaloy, and Jackie Ruller of Youngstown State University. Attendees will gain insights into how the model is being implemented through manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships, and training providers across Ohio, what makes the approach different from traditional training models, and how to get involved in strengthening technician talent pathways in their region.

Register for the webinar to learn how manufacturers can get involved in the Technician Fast Track Program and strengthen technician training pathways across Ohio. 6/10/2026