Workforce

Ohio is taking another bold step to strengthen its manufacturing workforce. In a joint memo, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) announced that the state’s revised K-12 Engineering and Manufacturing Career Field Content Standards are now directly aligned with the OMA Manufacturing Competency Model.

This alignment ensures that Ohio students are learning skills defined by manufacturers themselves—bridging classroom instruction with real-world workplace demands. As Governor Mike DeWine noted, this move signals to employers nationwide and worldwide that Ohio is ready with a skilled workforce today and for the future.

Read Ohio’s full statement to learn more. 9/10/2025

Workforce development remains a top priority in Ohio, and it’s essential for manufacturers to stay informed on the issues shaping the industry. The next Workforce Committee meeting will convene on Thursday, September 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A Zoom option is available for those joining remotely.

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Steve Dackin will join OMA leadership to share a significant update related to statewide workforce priorities shaping Ohio’s manufacturing future. JobsOhio will also present its newly launched Relocation Incentive program, designed to help manufacturers attract out-of-state technical and STEM talent to meet evolving workforce needs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with state leaders and stay informed on the policies and programs shaping Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. Register now to reserve your spot. 9/10/2025

JobsOhio has released a new resource to support manufacturers and other employers in expanding their approach to workforce development.

The Underserved, Underrepresented, and Veteran Talent Resource Guide offers actionable tools and insights to help companies tap into often-overlooked talent pools. From hiring best practices to retention strategies, the guide supports engagement with underserved communities, underrepresented populations, veterans, people with disabilities and rural talent.

As manufacturers face ongoing workforce shortages, this guide can help identify untapped pipelines of skilled, motivated workers. 9/3/2025

Early bird registration is now open for the 2025 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit, set for Nov. 6 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. The Summit is the premier annual gathering of Ohio’s manufacturing workforce ecosystem, bringing together manufacturers, educators, workforce leaders, and policy partners.

This once-a-year event delivers powerful insight, real-time strategy, and practical resources to help manufacturers implement effective workforce solutions. Attendees will also gain valuable networking opportunities with peers and partners from across the state. Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing and save $75 per registration.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact Nick Miller to learn more. 8/27/2025

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has announced updates to K-12 industry-recognized credential funding, which strengthens pathways into high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, IT, and skilled trades.

Beginning this school year, schools will receive $725 per credential earned from the state’s Innovative Workforce Incentive Program (IWIP) list—a boost that directs resources to credentials with the greatest impact for students and employers.

By focusing on in-demand sectors, Ohio is ensuring students graduate with the skills to step directly into rewarding careers, while manufacturers and other employers benefit from a stronger, better-prepared talent pipeline. 8/21/2025

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and ODEW Director Stephen Dackin announced a $7.1 million investment to expand career-connected learning through the new Career Pathway Support Networks. These regional networks will bring together schools, employers, and community leaders to align education with workforce needs and expand opportunities for students.

More than 141,000 Ohio students took part in at least one career-tech course during the 2023-2024 school year, and the state aims to build on this momentum while closing enrollment gaps in underserved districts.

The OMA and Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) are well-positioned to support the initiative. ISPs connect manufacturers with local schools and lead employer engagement in their communities, ensuring manufacturers’ needs are central to shaping student career pathways. Manufacturers interested in strengthening these efforts are encouraged to connect with their local ISP to help shape the next generation of Ohio’s workforce. 8/20/2025

Manufacturers across Ohio now have access to a stronger, more predictable talent pipeline with the approval of nine new Industry-Recognized Transfer Assurance Guides (ITAGs). Guided by the OMA’s priority list—developed in partnership with manufacturers statewide—the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) is ensuring that training programs align with the skills employers need most.

The newest ITAGs address critical areas like CNC machining, robotics, Industry 4.0, and programmable controller systems. This alignment gives manufacturers confidence that future workers will arrive with proven, industry-recognized competencies—helping companies fill high-demand roles faster and with greater consistency.

By continuing to act on the OMA’s industry-driven list, ODHE is helping to close skills gaps and strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing competitiveness. Learn more about how ITAGS can benefit your company. 8/20/2025

JobsOhio has announced a new Relocation Incentive designed to help Ohio employers compete for out-of-state talent in high-demand STEM and technical fields. The program provides eligible companies in targeted industries with $15,000 for each qualifying out-of-state hire they successfully relocate to Ohio, up to $225,000 per company.

With no restrictions on fund use, employers can direct incentive funds toward signing bonuses, relocation packages, recruiting campaigns, or other strategic talent acquisition efforts. Manufacturers should visit the JobsOhio relocation website to learn more and apply online. 8/12/2025

The Manufacturing Institute (MI) has released a set of policy priorities in response to President Trump’s Executive Order 14278, which outlines the need to modernize the federal workforce system and expand employer-led apprenticeships. The priorities address the projected 3.8 million manufacturing job openings by 2033, with more than half at risk of going unfilled.

For Ohio manufacturers, these priorities highlight the importance of employer-driven training and policy adjustments designed to align talent development with industry requirements. Read MI’s full release for further information on how these priorities correspond with national workforce objectives. 8/12/2025

Ohio higher education faculty, administrators, and manufacturers have launched a statewide effort to better align advanced manufacturing curriculum with the real-world needs of industry. A July summit, led by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, marked the beginning of this collaborative work, centered on the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s Competency Model.

Key innovations include modular, stackable 2-credit courses and stronger integration of industry-recognized credentials, all aimed at accelerating student pathways into high-demand careers. Read the full memo to learn how Ohio is reengineering its talent pipeline. 8/4/2025

The Alliance for Working Together (AWT) Foundation, an OMA-endorsed Industry Sector Partnership based in Northeast Ohio, is helping manufacturers connect with job-ready talent through its upcoming WorkAdvance Interview Day.

Manufacturers seeking to fill entry-level positions are invited to participate in the interview day, where they’ll meet candidates who have completed AWT’s WorkAdvance program—a one- to two-week program that covers essential manufacturing skills, soft skills development, and financial literacy.

Employers will have the opportunity to conduct interviews on-site and identify candidates ready to contribute from day one. Interested manufacturers in Northeast Ohio should contact Sarah at AWT for more details. 8/4/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit returns Thursday, Nov. 6 at Hilton Columbus Downtown. This year’s theme — Forging the Future: Building Talent Pipelines for Manufacturing Success — will spotlight collaborative partnerships between manufacturers, educators, workforce professionals, and Industry Sector Partnerships.

From can’t-miss breakout sessions to powerful success stories and statewide updates, the Summit is your front-row seat to the future of Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. Attendees will leave with fresh insights, new connections, and strategies to strengthen their talent pipeline. Early bird registration will launch later in August.

Mark your calendar and be sure to subscribe to OMA’s Workforce Community to receive all the latest Summit news and updates. 7/29/2025

October is quickly approaching, and now is the perfect time to start preparing your Manufacturing Month activities. Whether you’re hosting students, inviting community leaders, or highlighting career opportunities for jobseekers, the MakingOhio Manufacturing Month Planning Guide can help turn your ideas into action.

This step-by-step resource offers tips for engaging different audiences, planning impactful events, and showcasing your facility and workforce in a way that resonates. From classroom visits to on-site tours, the guide helps simplify the planning process while keeping your goals front and center.

Want even more ways to enhance your efforts? The MFG Day Host Toolkit from the Manufacturing Institute includes customizable templates, event checklists, and promotional materials—and don’t forget to register your event to boost visibility and amplify Ohio’s manufacturing story. 7/23/2025

In partnership with Sherwin-Williams, MAGNET is piloting a hands-on exhibit that introduces middle and high school students to the world of chemical manufacturing. As part of the exhibit, students learn about the ingredients that go into paint, how it is mixed, and explore career pathways in chemical manufacturing. Their painted creation becomes the shell of the battery-powered small-scale car they design, build, and race at the end of their visit to MAGNET as part of the three-hour Youth Manufacturing Experience.

To date, over 650 students have participated in the Sherwin-Williams experience, and MAGNET has engaged more than 8,000 students in the Youth Manufacturing Experience since its launch in February 2023. If you are an educator or manufacturer interested in participating, learn more about how this exhibit and the Youth Manufacturing Experience can benefit your students and community. 7/11/2025

Ohio’s advanced manufacturing future starts with awareness. Chip City Adventures: Discovering Manufacturing Careers in Ohio is a new, free eLearning experience, now available on MakingOhio, designed to introduce students, job seekers, and community members to in-demand careers in semiconductor manufacturing, energy, biopharma, and electric vehicles.

Developed by Columbus State Community College and the Ohio Association of Community Colleges with funding and support from Intel, the tool offers a compelling way to promote industry awareness, support career exploration, and strengthen partnerships across workforce and education.

Explore Chip City Adventures to see how this interactive resource can support your outreach efforts. 7/8/2025

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) recently awarded the remaining $979,080 from the state’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Equipment Grant to support advanced manufacturing programs at six educational institutions.

The state previously distributed more than $99 million to 91 grantees to expand high-demand career programs, including those in manufacturing. A recent survey of existing grantees identified over $11 million in unmet equipment needs.

ODEW selected six programs launching new manufacturing pathways to receive the final funds, covering nearly 92% of their requested amounts. The recipients include Bucyrus City, West Branch Local, Trumbull Career & Technical Center, Apollo Career Center (in partnership with Allen East and Ada Exempted Village), Firelands Local, and Amherst Exempted Village.

The awards align with Ohio’s priority to grow its manufacturing workforce by equipping students with advanced technical skills to meet statewide industry demand. 7/1/2025

Ohio manufacturers need their workforce priorities reflected in statewide strategies to build effective talent pipelines.

To that end, Jessica Borza, OMA’s managing director of workforce services, joined an Ohio Economic Development Association webinar panel to highlight cross-partner alignment efforts. She was joined on a panel with OMA partners, Aram Nerpouni (MAGNET), Courtney Tenhover (Ohio TechNet), and Marla Akridge (Tuscarawas Economic Development Corporation).

They presented how OMA’s Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) create hyper-local, employer-led collaborations connecting manufacturers with education and community partners, broadening and deepening talent recruitment and development pipelines.

Through the ISP network, strong state and regional coordination is building Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipelines. Watch the webinar recording to hear more from the engaging discussion. 7/2/2025

Manufacturers are encouraged to take full advantage of the Untapped Talent Resource Library— a curated collection that offers a wide range of practical tools, research, and case studies designed to support inclusive hiring and workforce development strategies.

Whether you’re looking to expand your talent pool, improve retention, or build stronger career pathways, the Resource Library provides actionable insights to strengthen your workforce. Access the library today to explore these valuable materials and integrate proven practices into your talent strategy. 6/25/2025

Stay connected to the latest workforce developments shaping Ohio’s manufacturing sector! As part of the Workforce Management Community, you’ll receive timely updates, publications, and invitations to events that offer opportunities to engage with peers and support statewide workforce strategies.

Members are also encouraged to engage in the OMA Workforce Committee, which meets quarterly, to discuss key issues, share insights, and help guide workforce initiatives across the state. To join, sign up at My OMA and opt into the Workforce Management Community under your community preferences. 6/25/2025

The Q2 edition of the OMA Workforce Briefing is now available, highlighting the OMA’s workforce service priorities through stories and impacts from manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), and workforce development partners to help strengthen alignment and workforce strategies across Ohio’s manufacturing workforce community.

Share this resource with your organization and peers. To receive future quarterly editions, opt in to the OMA Workforce Community. 6/19/2025