News and Analysis
Lorain County Community College Working With Manufacturers to Expand Apprenticeships
December 3, 2021Spectrum News 1 recently highlighted Lorain County Community College’s partnership with Elyria-based Ridge Tool to help meet the region’s manufacturing workforce needs.
The apprenticeship program allows the technicians to attend classes to fulfill hourly requirements at the college while receiving real-life, on-the-job training with an experienced journeyman. Learn more about the school’s apprenticeship program. (And be sure to visit the earn-and-learn page at MakingOhio.com.) 11/30/2021
Use of Industrial Robots Has Tripled Over 10 Years
November 19, 2021An infographic published by data website Statistica.com shows the operational stock of industrial robots has tripled over the past decade — with more than three million robots in use across various industries by the end of 2020.
According to the International Robotics Federation, U.S. manufacturers have some catching up to do. Asia currently leads the way in the shift to automated processes, with China in particular installing industrial robots at breakneck speed. In 2020, China installed 168,400 industrial robots, accounting for 44% of global installations.
Be sure to check out the automation and robotics career pathway at MakingOhio.com. It’s a great resource for educating employers, employees, and future employees about these critical roles in manufacturing. 11/18/2021
Ohio No. 3 in U.S. for Apprenticeship Participation
November 19, 2021Ohio ranks first in the Midwest and third in the U.S. for the number of individuals enrolled in apprenticeship programs, according to Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services. More than 19,500 Ohioans are participating in ApprenticeOhio programs.
The OMA and Ohio’s network of industry sector partnerships continue to dedicate significant time and resources to growing Ohio’s earn-and-learn opportunities. Contact your local partnership or OMA Workforce Services if you need assistance with establishing or expanding an apprenticeship program at your business. 11/18/2021
DOL Seeks to Expand Apprenticeships in Under-Represented Communities
November 19, 2021The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) this week launched an online dialogue with stakeholders to increase access to registered apprenticeships for job seekers in under-represented communities. According to the agency, the online dialogue furthers DOL’s efforts to promote the value of inclusive apprenticeships. Learn more. 11/16/2021
DOL Ending Business-Led Apprenticeship Model
November 19, 2021The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) this week proposed to rescind the Trump-era regulation that allowed employers to create their own versions of registered apprenticeship programs, called Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAP).
According to HR Dive, DOL under the Biden administration said it no longer “considers it appropriate or necessary to create an additional apprenticeship model.” IRAP supporters said the new model would open affordable education opportunities to more workers. 11/16/2021
Next Week Is National Apprenticeship Week
November 12, 2021Next week — Nov. 15-21 — is National Apprenticeship Week. Considering the current workforce shortage, there’s never been a better time to utilize earn-and-learn (apprenticeship) programs.
To help employers explore apprenticeship opportunities, the U.S. Department of Labor has published information on the following:
- Exploring apprenticeship;
- Pre-apprenticeship;
- Hiring veterans;
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
- Listing your apprenticeship jobs.
Don’t hesitate to contact your industry sector partnership or OMA Workforce Services if you need further guidance. 11/11/2021
Making the Case for Apprenticeships
November 5, 2021In this recent article, McKinsey & Company explores the organizational case for instilling and investing in apprenticeship. Described are components of an apprenticeship model they say are needed to modernize legacy constructs and scale it to a diverse and dispersed workforce.
To close Ohio’s talent gap, the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP) — a collaboration of the OMA and Ohio TechNet — is also committed to scaling innovative earn-and-learn (apprenticeship) strategies. To learn more, contact your local industry sector partnership or email OMA’s Sara Tracey, managing director of workforce services. 10/29/2021
Report: Ohio High School Students Earning Thousands of Industry Recognized Credentials
November 5, 2021The Ohio Department of Education recently released a new report that tracks Industry Recognized Credential attainment for Ohio’s high school students. Curious about manufacturing credentials earned by students in your region? Check it out! 10/29/2021
Unfilled Jobs Climbed August to September
November 5, 2021The State of Ohio online job posting report for September 2021 tells the story known too well. A total of 291,049 job openings were posted online from August 14, 2021, through September 13, 2021, an increase of 4,527 ads from the previous reporting period. Compared to the same time period a year ago, this reflects an increase of 30,361 ads. 10/29/2021
And Lastly, a MFG Day Thank You
November 5, 2021A final thank you to all who found a way to safely engage with MFG Day this year. Your efforts make a difference – when students participate in events like MFG Day, they are twice as likely to pursue a career in manufacturing. If you postponed your MFG Day event for later this year or in the spring, please don’t forget to register your event and use MFG Day Resources. 10/29/2021