Workforce Management

OMA Webinar: Education-to-Workforce Strategies

The OMA will host a Feb. 9 webinar to explore successful education-to-workforce initiatives and best practices that inspire K-12 students to pursue manufacturing and STEM-related careers. Leaders from northeast Ohio-based organizations that focus on workforce readiness will discuss their work and recent research. Register here. 1/18/2023

Coalition Prepares Ohio Workforce for Intel’s Arrival

The Columbus Dispatch recently published this story examining efforts to prepare Ohio’s workforce for Intel’s chip-manufacturing facility, as well as its suppliers. The article notes that the OMA has worked with community colleges and JobsOhio to form the Ohio Semiconductor Collaboration Network. 1/17/2023

Webinar: Mentoring Women in Manufacturing

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Manufacturing Institute will host a complimentary webinar to address the importance of female-to-female mentorships in manufacturing. Attendees will learn how the Women MAKE Mentorship Program can play a role in finding or becoming a mentor. Register here. 1/19/202

Expert: Workforce Development Key to Growing Manufacturing

In his recent editorial, Amitrajeet Batabyal of the Rochester Institute of Technology says “governments are generally poor at picking winning technologies and industries,” but can boost domestic manufacturing by devoting more resources to train people with specialized skills. He applauds the workforce provisions in the federal CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act. 1/17/2023

DeWine Begins New Term With Emphasis on Workforce

On the first day of his second term, Gov. Mike DeWine issued an executive order calling for an analysis of Ohio’s workforce needs by industry and region.

The order also calls for recommendations on how to increase opportunities to pursue certificates, credentials, and degrees that will help fill in-demand jobs.

DeWine’s order notes that through the TechCred program, Individual Micro-Credential Assistance Program (IMAP), and Industry Sector Partnership grant program, Ohio taxpayers have collectively invested more than $79 million to support individuals seeking to enhance their skills. 1/9/2023

Wanted: Industry-Recognized Credential Feedback

Ohio is prioritizing opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials to boost their chances for success after high school. Industry leaders play an integral role in how the list is formed by validating that students are earning credentials that are valued by employers.

A brief survey has been developed to gather feedback to help determine which credentials are valuable in their respective industries. Click here to participate in the survey. Email the Ohio Department of Education if you have questions. 1/12/2023

Reminder: Jan. 31 Is TechCred Application Deadline

As a reminder, the 18th round of TechCred is now underway. Manufacturers in Ohio have until Jan. 31 to apply for up to $30,000 to upskill employees. For more details, read this insight from OMA Connections Partner HBK. 1/11/2023

Jan. 31 Deadline for Latest TechCred Application Period

The 18th round of TechCred is now underway. Businesses of all sizes are eligible for up to $30,000 per round (and up to $180,000 per year) to upskill their employees. The current application period will close Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. Apply here.

Since the start of TechCred, manufacturers of all sizes have accounted for roughly half of all approved applications. A total of 2,173 Ohio employers have been approved for funding through the TechCred program, supporting the earning of 57,233 tech-focused credentials by employees.

Future TechCred funding rounds will be held later this year during the following periods: March 1-31; May 1-31; July 3-31; Sept. 1-29; and Nov. 1-30. 1/5/2023

Keys to Closing Manufacturing’s Gender Gap

Many manufacturers continue to struggle to recruit women. RSM, an OMA Connections Partner, has published this easy-to-read guidance to help employers close the gender gap in manufacturing through the implementation of proven recruitment and retention strategies. 1/4/2023

Grants Awarded to Four OMA-Endorsed ISPs

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who serves as director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, this week announced $2.45 million in awards under Ohio’s Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) grant program. The following OMA-endorsed ISPs were among 13 organizations receiving funding:

• Raise the Bar Hancock County;
• ConxusNEO;
• Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership; and
• Workforce Connect Manufacturing Sector Partnership.

In 2019, the OMA helped spearhead the development and funding of the ISP grant program. And in the 2021 state budget, the OMA worked to ensure the program was properly funded to ensure Ohio remains a national leader in manufacturing workforce development. 1/3/2023