Workforce Management

New TechCred Application Period Begins

Another application round for Ohio’s TechCred is underway, open through 3 p.m. Nov. 30. Over the years, the OMA has advocated for increased funding for this unique training reimbursement program.

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

At last check, manufacturers have accounted for about half of all approved applications. Learn more and apply. 11/1/2023

IMAP Grant Open to All Ohioans

Manufacturers can let employees and applicants know about a significant expansion of Ohio’s Individual Microcredential Assistance Program, which aims to provide tech-focused credentials to Ohioans at no cost. Read this story.

The IMAP grant is open to all Ohio residents, regardless of income level or employment status. Reimbursement is available for training providers, up to $3,000 per issued tech credential. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30. Individuals may apply here. 11/1/2023

Manufacturing’s Top Workforce Challenges

Perception problems, a skills deficit, and recruiting/retention hurdles: These are the top workforce challenges facing manufacturers, according to Carolyn Lee, who leads the Manufacturing Institute.

In this interview, Lee said automation engineers; roles in data science, computer science, and cybersecurity; and team leads for innovation and R&D are among the most difficult positions to fill.

Meanwhile, this news story spotlights efforts by MAGNET — Northeast Ohio’s MEP and an OMA Connections Partner — to grow the Cleveland area’s talent pool. 11/2/2023

National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 13-19

November 13-19 is National Apprenticeship Week, which promotes apprenticeships’ role in growing the skilled talent pool. The U.S. Department of Labor created this website to share helpful resources, including a list of Apprenticeship Week events.

If you plan to host an event at your business, register here. Also, check out the OMA Workforce Services page for earn-and-learn resources. 11/3/2023

DeWine Names Interim Leader for Education and Workforce

Gov. Mike DeWine has named Jessica Voltolini as interim director of Ohio’s new Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). Voltolini most recently served as chief of staff for the Ohio Department of Education.

The announcement was made after a Franklin County judge ruled the DeWine administration could proceed with implementing the agency overhaul, despite a lawsuit filed earlier by members of the Ohio Board of Education.

The creation of DEW was authorized by a provision in the state budget (House Bill 33), which was passed and signed last summer. The original legislation to establish the DEW (Senate Bill 1) was endorsed by the OMA. 10/23/2023

WorkAdvance Makes Headlines in Trumbull County

WorkAdvance — the innovative training program that aims to grow the manufacturing workforce — is getting attention in Trumbull County. As reported by news outlets, the WorkAdvance Trumbull County Pilot Program is spearheaded by the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC), an OMA-endorsed industry sector partnership.

The program starts Nov. 27 with the first in a series of three-week classes of eight to 10 individuals, who will be paid $750. They’ll get a math refresher course, along with manufacturing technical training and job readiness training. Once employed, they’ll be coached for a year.

The effort is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s “Good Jobs Challenge” program. In 2022, the OMA led the effort to bring this funding opportunity to Ohio. 10/24/2023

Workforce Ideas for Federal Policymakers

The National Association of Manufacturers has offered several policy suggestions to federal lawmakers to support the manufacturing workforce development. They include:

• Expanding the Pell Grant program to include short-term education models and skills training;
• Investing in apprenticeship and earn-and-learn programs;
• Promoting attainment of industry-based credentials as a way to complete community and technical colleges;
• Increasing the amount of tax-exempt educational assistance employers can provide;
• Prioritizing employer leadership in federal discretionary grant competitions; and
• Reforming federal work-study programs to highlight career-focused skills.

Read more about NAM’s workforce policy recommendations. 10/24/2023

Last Chance to Register: OMA’s Workforce Summit

Registration for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit 2023 ends Tuesday, Oct. 31.

The summit, which will take place Nov. 8 at Quest Conference Center in Westerville, will feature a high-caliber lineup of speakers, including Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Harvard Professor Joseph Fuller, as well as expert panels and breakout sessions.

Register by Halloween! 10/26/2023

OMA, NAM Leaders Tour Southern Ohio Education Facility

As Manufacturing Month continues, OMA President Ryan Augsburger this week joined National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons for a visit with students at Logan Elm Schools in Circleville.

Timmons, an Ohio native and alumnus of Logan Elm, was in Ross County for the Creators Wanted tour stop. Creators Wanted is at the Circleville Pumpkin Show through Saturday, Oct. 21.

Representatives from OMA members Sofidel and Honda and LG Energy Solution also spoke to the students. Guests were given a first-hand look at the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, which are preparing students — beginning as early third grade — for manufacturing careers. 10/18/2023

The War for Female Talent in Manufacturing

Manufacturing.net has highlighted the Manufacturing Institute’s 35×30 campaign, which seeks to grow the share of women employees in U.S. manufacturing to 35% by 2030.

The publication examines how the initiative aims to accomplish its goal via trade organizations, community engagement, and “for women, by women” programs. 10/16/2023