Workforce

Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin recently announced Ohio’s 2026 Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils.

“Our Business Advisory Councils are another example of how our state creates opportunity through collaboration,” Lt. Governor Tressel said. “Our new WorkOhio program is built on a similar foundation. It’s all about bringing together experts who know the jobs and industries that are in demand.”

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) supported the awards process by serving on the review committee. Business Advisory Councils play a vital role in connecting education and industry, and through coordination with OMA’s Industry Sector Partnerships, help advance employer-led workforce solutions that prepare students for in-demand manufacturing careers. 2/18/2026

In partnership with JobsOhio, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is launching a new Food Manufacturing Industry layer of the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model to help define the specialized skills needed to grow Ohio’s operator and technician talent pipeline in food manufacturing.

Built by employers, the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model outlines the core and industry-specific skills required of manufacturing operators and technicians, ensuring education and training programs prepare graduates with industry-validated competencies. The new food manufacturing layer will establish standardized skill expectations for careers across Ohio’s expansive food manufacturing sector.

Manufacturers are encouraged to nominate representatives to serve on the development core team. OMA is seeking hiring managers, operations leaders and technical experts who understand company skills needs. Nominated participants will be invited to a two-hour virtual kickoff meeting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 26. Submit nominees through the Food Manufacturing Competency Model participation form. 2/13/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will hold its first Workforce Committee meeting of the year on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the OMA offices, with a Zoom option available. This meeting will bring manufacturers together for timely updates and discussion on workforce programs, funding, and policy issues shaping Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline.

Agenda highlights include hearing directly from OMA and manufacturing leaders on new programs and initiatives aligned with the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, including best practices to engage young people and a new one-year Technician Earn and Learn program. Manufacturers will also receive updates on critical state workforce funding, including TechCred and the Ohio Industry Sector Partnership Grant, workforce-related policy developments impacting employers, and insights from JobsOhio technician research on what motivates operators and technicians to pursue manufacturing careers.

Manufacturers are encouraged to register for the Workforce Committee meeting to participate in the discussion and stay engaged in shaping Ohio’s workforce priorities. 2/12/2026

Adam Snyder of Talan Products (right) has been appointed as Chair of the Workforce Leadership Committee, the governance body that helps set the strategic direction of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Workforce Strategy. A longtime Committee member and former leader of the Workforce Connect Manufacturing Sector Partnership at MAGNET, Snyder brings deep experience in employer-led workforce collaboration and the Industry Sector Partnership network. His career spans multiple industry verticals, including leadership of a large plastics manufacturing facility, and he has been a trusted voice in ensuring OMA’s workforce efforts remain manufacturer-driven and aligned with industry needs.

Snyder’s appointment comes at a pivotal time in his career, as he recently stepped into the role of President and COO of his Cleveland-based manufacturing company, an award-winning contract manufacturer in the South Collinwood neighborhood specializing in high-volume stamping and aluminum extrusion fabrication. His operational leadership and firsthand experience navigating today’s workforce challenges further strengthen his ability to guide the committee’s work and advance solutions that support manufacturers statewide. OMA looks forward to his continued leadership in implementing Ohio’s manufacturing talent strategy. 2/12/2026

Lauren Massie, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) director of workforce services, has been appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to serve on the Ohio STEM Committee. The committee helps shape how students across Ohio are prepared for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, work that directly affects manufacturers’ talent pipelines. Massie brings deep workforce development experience and a strong focus on connecting education with real career opportunities. “STEM is where tomorrow’s manufacturers are made, and Lauren is exactly the right person to help shape that future,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. 2/2/2026

As manufacturers consider reshoring under the CHIPS Act and other federal initiatives, a key challenge remains finding enough workers to meet demand. Federal Reserve economists and industry experts will discuss potential labor pools, existing manufacturing clusters and strategies to expand the manufacturing workforce. The session will provide insights for manufacturers, workforce development leaders and educators focused on domestic production growth.

The virtual event will be held Thursday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Register for the free event here. 2/6/2026

The Ohio Department of Development and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation announced the opening of the sixth round of the Ohio Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant, making $5 million available to support employer-led workforce collaborations across the state. This funding encourages manufacturers to partner with educators and community stakeholders to address regional talent needs, strengthen career pathways, and drive economic growth aligned with industry demand.

Since the program’s inception in 2019, Ohio has invested $17.6 million across 64 ISPs statewide. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association-Endorsed ISP Network has played a significant role in this impact, securing $8.3 million to support 17 ISPs — demonstrating the value of manufacturer-driven partnerships in advancing Ohio’s manufacturing workforce priorities.

Manufacturers are encouraged to collaborate with their ISPs to apply for the new round of funding before the Feb. 27 deadline. 2/5/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) recently launched the Ohio Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program pilot through COMP to support manufacturer-led engagement with students across Ohio. The program provides a consistent, statewide framework that helps manufacturers connect with schools, spark interest in manufacturing careers, and guide students toward postsecondary education or high-quality jobs, aligned with Ohio’s Career Connections Framework.

To support these efforts, OMA developed a practical toolkit designed for manufacturers of all sizes and levels of engagement. Resources include curated, open-source materials; grade-banded activities for K–5, 6–8, and 9–12; STEM project ideas and classroom presentations; job shadowing templates; and career planning and myth-busting tools to support conversations with students and families.

Manufacturers interested in engaging students or strengthening existing outreach efforts can explore the tools and resources to get started. 1/29/2026

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel kicked off his statewide WorkOhio tour this week in Cincinnati, highlighting the new program’s focus on connecting Ohioans with in-demand jobs through regional, employer-informed support. The event brought together workforce leaders from across southwest Ohio, including the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Workforce Innovation Center, which serves as the region’s WorkOhio Job Hub and community partners. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association has supported WorkOhio’s emphasis on employer-led, results-driven workforce solutions. WorkOhio is designed to simplify job searches by linking workers with local experts who understand regional industries, employers and training opportunities. Through WorkOhio.gov, job seekers can access one-on-one support, career tools and training resources tailored to their goals. Additional tour stops across Ohio are planned in the coming weeks. 1/21/2026

Ohio manufacturers welcomed new federal investment in workforce education as Sinclair Community College secured more than $1 million to develop a new manufacturing education center serving the Dayton region.

The project will expand hands-on training capacity, modernize equipment and strengthen connections between students and local employers in high-demand manufacturing fields. The $1.145 million for Sinclair’s Integrated Technology Education Center, in addition to three other community funding projects throughout the Miami Valley, were sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, and had the official support of Ohio’s U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno.

Community colleges like Sinclair play a critical role in preparing Ohio’s next generation of skilled talent by aligning programs with real-world industry needs. This investment builds on the region’s manufacturing strengths and supports employer-led pathways that move students from the classroom to the shop floor faster, helping manufacturers compete and grow while creating clear, affordable career opportunities for Ohioans. 1/22/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) launched a new statewide pilot of the Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program through COMP, an OMA-endorsed Industry Sector Partnership. The program equips manufacturing professionals to serve as Ambassadors — partnering with local schools to bring real-world manufacturing careers into the classroom. By sharing firsthand experiences and career pathways, Ambassadors help students understand high-growth manufacturing opportunities and the futures they can build in Ohio.

The pilot officially kicked off on Jan. 16 with 20 manufacturers completing ambassador training through COMP. Trained by workforce professionals and equipped with ready-to-use presentations, activities, and tools, ambassadors are prepared to engage schools in meaningful, grade-appropriate ways to strengthen the local talent pipelines. The effort reflects a coordinated statewide partnership among COMP, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, and the Ohio STEM Learning Network.

Manufacturers interested in participating can learn more about the program, explore ambassador tools, and access classroom-ready resources at MakingOhio.com. 1/21/2026

Ohio manufacturers welcomed new state workforce announcements aimed at moving Ohioans into jobs faster through employer-led, results-driven programs. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) said the initiatives reflect a clear focus on connecting people to work and supporting manufacturers’ real-time talent needs.

“These announcements are about placing people in jobs and supporting Ohio manufacturing,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. He added that WorkOhio reflects the vision and leadership of Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, building on what worked during the pandemic by establishing a statewide network of job coaches through seven regional grantees.

The selection of MAGNET, the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance and the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition underscores that employer-led partnerships deliver results. JobsOhio’s Experiential Learning Initiative reinforces the same point by expanding earn-and-learn programs that close skills gaps faster and put workers where Ohio manufacturers need them. 1/15/2026

Demand for career-technical education is rising across Ohio, strengthening the state’s manufacturing talent pipeline and reinforcing the value of hands-on, career-connected learning. Recent reporting shows enrollment in career-technical programs continuing to grow as more students seek pathways that lead directly to in-demand jobs or postsecondary credentials.

The shift reflects changing public attitudes about education and workforce preparation. A 2025 CBS News poll found that 63% of registered voters said a four-year college degree is not worth the cost because graduates often lack specific job skills and carry significant debt, up from a near-even split in 2017. Only 33% said a four-year degree is worth the cost because it improves long-term earnings.

For manufacturers, the trend aligns with long-standing workforce needs. Career-technical programs are increasingly aligned with advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, logistics and information technology. For members of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, continued employer engagement will be essential to align curriculum, expand work-based learning and connect students to modern manufacturing careers. 1/12/2026

The Ohio Department of Development’s Export Internship Program connects small- and medium-sized manufacturers seeking to expand into international markets with college students, reimbursing employers for 50% of intern wages. Participating companies must demonstrate a commitment to exports, provide managerial guidance, and ensure the intern’s workload focuses on export-related tasks.

The application portal for the 2026 program is now open through January. For more information, contact Wendi Howell, Ohio Export Internship Program Manager. 1/15/2026

Small and mid-sized manufacturers are invited to attend the CESMII Smart Manufacturing Roadshow on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mitchell Hall, Columbus State Community College (CSCC).

Hosted by CSCC, in partnership with CESMII, this immersive, full-day program brings together national and local subject-matter experts to explore how smart manufacturing technologies and strategies can drive productivity, resilience, and competitiveness. Attendees will also hear directly from manufacturers who are leading innovative smart manufacturing initiatives and achieving measurable results.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot today to learn how smart manufacturing can strengthen your operations, empower your workforce, and position your business for long-term success. 1/15/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Workforce Committee provides an inclusive forum for manufacturers and partners to surface critical workforce challenges, share best practices, and highlight services and resources that support Ohio’s manufacturing talent ecosystem.

OMA has scheduled three Workforce Committee meetings in 2026. Meetings are held as two-hour morning sessions beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an informal networking lunch provided by OMA, creating opportunities for peer connection and collaboration.

Register to stay engaged in the latest workforce updates, resources and innovations impacting Ohio manufacturers. 1/16/2026

In partnership with JobsOhio, Ohio Life Sciences and PhRMA, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is launching a new Biomanufacturing Industry layer of the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model to help define the skills needed to grow Ohio’s operator and technician talent pipeline in biomanufacturing.

Built by employers, the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model outlines the core and industry-specific skills required of manufacturing operators and technicians, ensuring education and training programs prepare graduates with industry-validated competencies. The new biomanufacturing layer will establish standardized skill expectations for careers across Ohio’s rapidly expanding biomanufacturing sector.

Manufacturers are encouraged to nominate representatives to serve on the biomanufacturing development core team. OMA is seeking hiring managers, operations leaders and technical experts who understand company skill needs. Nominated participants will be invited to a two-hour virtual kickoff meeting at 11 a.m. on Jan. 21. Submit nominees through the Biomanufacturing Competency Model participation form. 1/7/2026

Ohio’s manufacturing future depends on a workforce ready to meet the demands of evolving industries, and a new video is telling that story. The Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model, created with direct input from manufacturers and education partners, is a shared language for building tomorrow’s workforce today.

In the video, state leaders and manufacturers highlight the model’s power to align training with real-world job needs, streamline talent development and strengthen Ohio’s competitive edge.

Watch the full video and explore how the model can support your workforce goals. 12/16/2025

During a recent Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) webinar, JobsOhio unveiled a first-of-its-kind research initiative based on surveys of thousands of Ohio students, parents, and workers. The findings shed light on when and how different populations make career decisions, offering valuable insight into strengthening the state’s technician talent pipeline.

Presenters highlighted key decision points that influence career choices and emphasized the importance of data-driven messaging that reflects real opportunities in modern manufacturing. The discussion reinforced the need for early, intentional engagement and outreach strategies that resonate with both students and parents, helping employers better connect jobseekers to in-demand roles.

The webinar wrapped with an update from the OMA on 2026 initiatives aligned to the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, connecting JobsOhio’s research to future workforce strategies. Watch the webinar recording to learn more about the insights and next steps shaping Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. 12/16/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) joined leaders from JobsOhio, Tolles Career & Technical Center, Accenture and the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership for a high-energy panel at this year’s ED 411 event in Columbus. The session, titled “The Talent Imperative: Matching Skills to Market Needs,” showcased data-driven strategies for developing Ohio’s next generation of operators and technicians and highlighted the momentum behind the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint.

Hosted by One Columbus, ED 411 brought together more than 700 economic developers, business and community leaders, and elected officials — united in shaping a bold, future-focused vision for the 11-county Columbus region. 12/10/2025