Workforce Management

Dec. 6 Virtual Event Will Showcase Best Practices to Attract More Women to Manufacturing

At noon Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Manufacturing Institute will present its latest research examining how manufacturers can attract women — a largely untapped source of talent — to the industry.

This virtual event will also examine the best practices of manufacturing companies in the areas of childcare solutions, increased flexibility, advancement opportunities, and overcoming traditional barriers to entry. Learn more and register. 12/1/2022

Governor Supports K-12 Restructuring Plan

Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) says his chamber will hold a vote yet this year on Senate Bill 178, which would restructure the Ohio Department of Education, while stripping the 19-member state school board of most of its duties.

Gov. Mike DeWine says he supports the bill, which would create a Department of Education and Workforce, headed by a gubernatorial appointee to give the administration more oversight of K-12 policy. Under the bill, the department would have two divisions: one for primary and secondary education and one for workforce training. Career and technical education schools have testified in favor of the bill. 12/1/2022

Editorial: The Battle for Manufacturing Talent

In an editorial published by IndustryWeek, Ethan Karp — president and CEO of OMA Connections Partner MAGNET — has shared three innovative ways that manufacturers are supercharging their talent funnels.

Karp examines successful approaches to developing an in-house training academy; hiring people who were previously incarcerated; and getting young people to choose careers in manufacturing. Read Karp’s editorial. 11/22/2022

Bill Would Restructure Ohio Education Department

During the General Assembly’s lame-duck session, legislation is being considered to redesign the Ohio Department of Education. As reported by Gongwer News Service, Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) intends to bring Senate Bill 178 to a vote after Thanksgiving.

The bill would create a Department of Education and Workforce, which would have two divisions — one to focus on traditional K-12 and another to oversee career-technical education. SB 178 would also create a cabinet-level director appointed by the governor. Deputy directors of the divisions would sit on the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board. 11/21/2022

Connecting Young Ohioans to Debt-Free Careers

Two decades after enrolling in college, half of all former students still owe $20,000 in student loans, according to financial advisor Ric Edelman. At the same time, more than 70% of young adults say higher education has inadequately prepared them for the workforce — and 54% of Gen Z (ages 18-25) is living with their parents.

Meanwhile, U.S. manufacturing had added 367,000 new jobs year-to-date through October — creating more opportunity for individuals to get real-world training without loans or out-of-pocket expenses.

As National Apprenticeship Week concludes, check out the earn-and-learn resources at MakingOhio.com, created to spur interest in manufacturing careers. The site includes this page to connect young people and career-switchers to local or regional earn-and-learn opportunities. 11/17/2022

Husted: Earn-and-Learn Is the New Model

This week, Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was interviewed on Columbus’ 610 AM to discuss the DeWine-Husted administration’s second-term agenda. His comments were focused on workforce development and apprenticeships.

Husted called earn-and-learn the “new model” that is replacing the decades-old belief that everyone needs to go to college. Hear the entire interview.

The ApprenticeOhio website offers information for employers, including details on the state’s incentive program that reimburses employers for registered apprenticeships. (Applications for the current round of the program are due Dec. 31.) 11/15/2022

Manufacturing Institute’s Virtual D+I Summit Is Dec. 16

The Manufacturing Institute will host a virtual diversity and inclusion (D+I) summit on Dec. 16. The event will showcase ways that industry leaders can create more inclusive workplace environments, while highlighting best practices to boost diversity and inclusion specific to manufacturing. Register here. 11/14/2022

How to Support Women in the Workplace

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) — an OMA Connections Partner — has published this summary of its recent LinkedIn survey addressing career development for women. The survey gathered feedback from women leaders in workforce development and provides guidance for employers to help women advance their careers. 11/14/2022

MEP Intern Program Offers Employers Wage Reimbursement

Ohio manufacturers can place high school students in their company through the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) internship program. It not only helps manufacturers develop future talent, it also provides employers a 50% wage reimbursement, up to $1,500 per student. To apply, contact your local Ohio MEP partner or email MEP staff. 11/16/2022

National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 14-20

National Apprenticeship Week is Nov. 14-20. To promote apprenticeships and the vital role they play to grow the talent pipeline, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published this website. It offers valuable resources, including an interactive map of Apprenticeship Week events.

On Nov. 17, Sara Tracey, managing director of OMA Workforce Services, will be part of DOL’s panel discussion to highlight efforts to create career pathways for under-represented populations. Register for this virtual event.

Also, check out the OMA’s Workforce Services page for earn-and-learn resources. 11/10/2022