Workforce Management

MVMC Curriculum Fosters Early Interest in Manufacturing

Introducing middle school students to manufacturing is critical to develop their interest in manufacturing careers. Innovative curriculum designed by the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC), an OMA-endorsed industry sector partnership, is doing just that.

As reported in this article, the program engages eighth graders in hands-on activities while highlighting manufacturing as a viable career path. OMA members who are interested in this curriculum can email MVMC. 11/29/2023

Ohio’s $200M Career-Tech Investment Earns More Press

News media are reporting on Ohio’s nearly $200 million investment to expand career-technical facilities. Earlier this year, the OMA advocated for this funding as part of the state’s biennial budget (House Bill 33).

WKRC reports how the $6.8 million awarded to Great Oaks Career Campuses in Cincinnati will help grow a number of different training programs and allow for the creation of an EV manufacturing course. 11/27/2023

Study: 70% of Workers Could Benefit From Apprenticeships

ManufacturingDive.com reports 128 million U.S. workers (70% of the workforce) could benefit from apprenticeships and on-the-job learning, according to a new study. Among those who would benefit are 36 million “high-churn, low-wage workers without bachelor’s degrees.” 11/30/2023

MVMC Founder Honored at OMA Workforce Summit

For his work in establishing the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition — Ohio’s first manufacturing industry sector partnership — Brian Benyo, co-owner of Brilex Industries, was presented the Dan French Legacy Award at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit held Nov. 8 in Westerville.

The Business Journal (Youngstown) published this story on the award ceremony. It includes quotes from Benyo, as well as OMA board member Dale Foerster, vice president of Starr Manufacturing, another founding MVMC company.

Ohio’s network of industry-led ISPs has significantly expanded in recent years following MVMC’s creation. Today, there are 15 OMA-endorsed ISPs, serving as the foundation for the OMA’s efforts to grow Ohio’s manufacturing talent pool.

Established by the OMA board earlier this year, the Dan French Legacy Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership on behalf of Ohio’s manufacturing community. 11/21/2023

Reminder: TechCred Application Deadline, Nov. 30

Here’s a reminder that 3 p.m. Nov. 30 is the deadline for the current TechCred application round.

Under TechCred, employers of all sizes are eligible for up to $30,000 per round ($180,000 per year) to upskill employees. Participating businesses must partner with a credential provider. Eligible credentials can be found here.

At last check, manufacturers have accounted for about half of all approved TechCred applications. Learn more and apply. 11/21/2023

OMA’s December Workforce Webinar

It’s time to register for the OMA’s Dec. 12 workforce webinar.

This online learning event will explore the landscape of Ohio’s manufacturing workforce; examine a recent report detailing the challenges in finding and retaining skilled workers; and provide insights from RAND Corporation economists on the under-utilization of untapped talent, higher attrition rates among women and people of color, and promoting manufacturing’s career pathways. 11/21/2023

Teacher Bootcamp Program Taking Applications

The DeWine-Husted administration has announced that the application period for Ohio’s Teacher Bootcamp Program is open for institutions of higher education through Dec. 8.

Teacher bootcamps bring educators to local businesses — including manufacturers — to help expose them to the in-demand career skillsets their communities need. OMA members can pass along this application information to their local higher-ed institutions. 11/15/2023

Examining Rural and Urban Recruiting Challenges

Manufacturers in both rural and urban areas are facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining talent. But those challenges are sometimes quite different.

This recent study by the Manufacturing Institute offers critical insights into recruiting obstacles, such as child care, the rising cost-of-living, health care access, and more. 11/16/2023

Apply for Earn-and-Learn Funding up to $500 Per Employee

National Apprenticeship Week is wrapping up. But if your business utilizes apprenticeships, or provides on-the-job training that results in a credential or certificate, there’s still time to apply for a $500 per employee incentive through the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership. The OMA is a partner in this program.

OMA members are encouraged to apply for this funding, which is first-come, first-served. 11/16/2023

Ohio Announces $200M for Career-Tech Expansion

Thirty-five schools across Ohio will receive a share of nearly $200 million to expand their career-technical facilities. The OMA advocated for this funding, which was prioritized by the DeWine-Husted administration as part of the biennial budget (House Bill 33).

The funded projects are expected to allow schools to serve an additional 3,719 students, including more than 1,000 in manufacturing programs. Read the governor’s news release and this list of awardees.

Meanwhile, Ohio schools may apply for the state’s Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program through Dec. 15. Applicants seeking training equipment for in-demand fields, such as manufacturing, will be prioritized. The OMA also advocated for this funding in the state budget. 11/6/2023