Workforce Management

Reminder: TechCred Applications Due Jan. 31

Here is a reminder for OMA members that the latest funding round of TechCred remains open until 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31. Utilize this OMA guidance document to learn how to apply for the program, which reimburses employers that help employees earn industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials. 1/26/2022

U.S. Commerce Secretary Urges More Apprenticeships

In her recent remarks on Intel’s Ohio project, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo called for more apprenticeship programs to address the current workforce shortage.

OMA members are encouraged to launch or participate in earn-and-learn programs (including apprenticeships) by utilizing Ohio’s industry sector partnerships and the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership — a collaboration of the OMA and Ohio TechNet. These entities can help members find providers for technical instruction and assist in developing on-the-job training.

See this one-pager on the benefits of employing an earn-and-learn strategy to boost your talent pipeline. 1/24/2022

Jan. 24 Information Session: Help for Your Trainers, Mentors, Coaches

Do the individuals who are training your newer employees have the skills needed to communicate their expertise effectively?

At 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, OMA members are invited to participate in an online information session that will detail a new train-the-trainer (and earn-and-learn) course to be offered by NIMS^® and the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC). The training is open any Ohio manufacturer.

The session will provide a solid understanding of the NIMS^® training course, which is designed to advance the skills of anyone who teaches, coaches, or trains others in your shop. The program is currently recruiting for a cohort that will start the week of Feb. 7. Members with questions can contact the OMA’s Sara Tracey. 1/20/2022

Mike Rowe Challenges Educators to Give Skilled Trades Equal Time

Responding to a report that 4.5 million Americans either quit or changed their job in November, reality TV actor Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” fame told Fox Business Network the U.S. workforce shortage is more than just a skills deficit. The fundamental definition of a “good job” has changed, he said — and the “Great Resignation” will ultimately affect every American who values “smooth roads, indoor plumbing, affordable electricity” and more.

Rowe said educators must help change young people’s perception of good jobs, saying, “It can’t be higher education and everything else is some vocational consolation prize. … We need to do a better job globally of shining a light on [skilled labor] stories.”

Meanwhile, the OMA and its partners continue to advance the Making Ohio initiative to highlight manufacturing careers. The recently revamped Making Ohio website provides tons of tools to help promote manufacturing careers, including 40 manufacturing videos, nearly 30 job descriptions, 16 educator resources, interactive career pathways, earn-and-learn information, and more. 1/18/2022

Upskilling Is Key to Weathering ‘Great Resignation’

A guest editorial at HR Dive makes the case that during the “Great Resignation,” employers must examine how they help their employees upskill — or don’t.

According to research released by Sitel Group, even before the pandemic, 37% of employees said they would leave their current job/employer if they were not offered training to learn new skills. Among members of Gen Z, 88% said upskilling was important. Meanwhile, a LinkedIn survey found that 94% of employees said they would stay at a company if it was invested in helping them learn. 1/20/2022

Ohio Manufacturer Makes National News for Hiring Working Moms to Address Labor Shortage

OMA member and Tuscarawas County-based Tusco Display is making national news for its campaign to hire working moms and high school students amid the ongoing labor shortage. Fox News recently interviewed Tusco’s CEO Mike Lauber, as well as employees Margaret Affolter and Brittany Braun, both of whom are mothers of four.

Lauber said Tusco reached out to parents who were dropping off their kids at school, and that his company has made an effort to be more flexible in its scheduling to attract working mothers. 1/19/2022

Second Chance Hiring Questions Answered

As more manufacturers consider incorporating formerly incarcerated individuals into their recruiting strategy, the Manufacturing Institute’s Second Chance Hiring Office is fielding questions from interested businesses. These Q&A sessions are open to any manufacturer. The Institute will be hosting its next session Jan. 27 from noon to 2 p.m. Learn more. 1/21/2022

Webinar: Attracting Career Switchers to Manufacturing

At 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, the OMA is hosting a workforce webinar offering research-based tips for attracting career switchers to manufacturing.

In late 2021, the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (a collaboration of OMA and Ohio TechNet) commissioned primary research to study Ohioans employed in other industries. The findings have led to six key recommendations for drawing potential switchers into manufacturing roles. Register soon. 1/12/2022

Workforce Challenges: Pre- and Post- Pandemic

In its examination of pandemic-related workforce challenges, OMA Connections Partner CliftonLarsonAllen lists five key essentials for small and mid-sized businesses to better address talent constraints. The essentials, according to the firm, are:

• Market-based compensation structure;
• Flexibility and competitive wages;
• Stability;
• Family culture; and
• Challenging employees to keep them engaged.

The firm says employees who aren’t given a more flexible work arrangement are voting with their feet as voluntary quit rates have soared. Moreover, COVID-19-fueled uncertainty has increased employees’ desire for stability in their jobs. 1/12/2022

Industry Sector Partnership Grants Awarded to Seven OMA-Endorsed Organizations

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, this week announced $2.58 million in awards under the state’s Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant program. Of the 13 recipients, seven are OMA-endorsed ISPs, which are transforming how manufacturers attract and develop workers.

Among the OMA-endorsed ISPs receiving funding are:

• Raise the Bar Hancock County;
• Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition;
• ConxusNEO;
• Workforce Connect Manufacturing Sector Partnership;
• Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership;
• Alliance for Working Together Northeast Ohio Sector Partnership; and
• Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership.

In 2019, the OMA helped spearhead the development and funding of the ISP Grant program. Last year, the OMA worked to ensure the program was properly funded through the state’s operating budget.

The OMA appreciates the DeWine-Husted administration’s leadership in expanding the use of ISPs to ensure Ohio remains a national leader in manufacturing. 1/6/2022