Workforce Management

Help Us Grow ‘Making Ohio’ Through Social Media

The “Making Ohio” initiative and MakingOhio.com were established by the OMA and its partners to spotlight the many well-paying careers in modern manufacturing.

To help spread the word about manufacturing’s rewarding opportunities — and the industry’s importance to the Buckeye State — visit Making Ohio’s Facebook page, which has more than 500 “likes” and nearly 600 followers. Expand manufacturing’s outreach by liking and following the page — and encourage young people, educators, and community leaders to do the same. 11/19/2020

Manufacturers’ Pledge Aims to Help Grow Economic Opportunity for All Americans

This past summer, the National Association of Manufacturers board approved a “Pledge for Action” to help ensure economic opportunity for all Americans. The OMA supports this effort. Finding the talent needed to meet manufacturing’s demand requires new strategies that fully tap the potential of local and regional populations.

A key goal of this pledge is that by 2025, manufacturers will take 50,000 tangible actions to increase equity and parity for under-represented communities, creating 300,000 pathways to job opportunities for people of color. In doing so, manufacturing will reflect the diversity of the overall U.S. workforce by 2030.

Click here to add your company’s commitment to this effort, or to share steps your company has taken to expand opportunity and increase its diversity. 11/9/2020

MAGNET’s Karp Examines COVID-19’s Impact on Manufacturing Workforce Efforts

In his recent editorial at Forbes.com, Ethan Karp — president and CEO of MAGNET, which is Northeast Ohio’s MEP — provides his insight as to why manufacturers have struggled to fill open positions during a time of increased unemployment during COVID-19.

Whether the hurdles are due to public transportation, skills training, or child care availability, Karp says “holistic solutions” and “coordinated efforts” are needed to address the “full stack of human problems.” He notes that “above all, we need radical collaboration.” 11/12/2020

Workforce Summit Sessions Now Available On Demand

If you missed the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit last week, you can still gain access to all the recorded content.

It’s all available at a substantially reduced price of $55 with unlimited access through March 19, 2021.

Survey feedback was vastly positive. Have a look at all the sessions which you’ll be able to watch on demand. Register here. (If you previously registered, log in to access on-demand content.) 11/2/2020

A Look at Automation in the Dayton Area

The Dayton Business Journal recently hosted a virtual roundtable with some of the region’s top manufacturing executives to examine the importance of automation to small and mid-sized manufacturers.

OMA board member Steve Staub, president of Staub Manufacturing Solutions, is quoted as saying that “one of the biggest challenges facing the future of automation is the stigma surrounding the word” and the assumption that robotics means lost jobs. Staub’s business recently invested $3 million to replace four outdated laser machines with two new pieces of equipment. “The end result wasn’t lost jobs, but higher wages” and upskilled employees, as well as a 25% increase in output.

See the article here (subscription). 10/28/2020

Preparing for National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 8-14

Businesses with apprenticeship programs are getting ready to recognize National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 8-14. The U.S. Department of Labor has information and resources on how to participate. If your business has apprenticeships to promote — or you want to investigate starting new apprentice program — get in touch with one of Ohio’s local industry sector partnerships. 10/28/2020

Last Chance to Apply for Current Round of TechCred

The current TechCred application period closes Friday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. This innovative workforce training program offers employers up to $2,000 in reimbursement for every technology-focused credential earned by an employee, and up to $30,000 per employer each application period. Apply online or learn more via the OMA’s one-page summary. 10/22/2020

Ohio Leads the Way on Workforce Development

In case you missed it, OMA President Eric Burkland shared his thoughts regarding the pandemic’s impact on manufacturers and workforce development in an Oct. 18 editorial in The Plain Dealer and at Cleveland.com. Burkland wrote: “When it comes to growing the manufacturing workforce, Ohio has emerged as a national leader, providing a model for others to follow.” 10/19/2020

Ohio Among the Nation’s Apprenticeship Leaders

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted this week announced that based on federal data, Ohio is No. 4 in the nation for number of apprentices — and No. 1 among the 28 states with state apprenticeship systems. According to the lieutenant governor, apprentices in Ohio earn, on average, $70,000 a year. Employers are encouraged to visit Apprentice.Ohio.gov. 10/22/2020

Five Reasons to Attend OMA’s Workforce Summit

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit is set for Wednesday, Oct. 28. It will feature a robust agenda and a 100% virtual experience. Here are just a few reasons to attend:

• Coping with COVID-19: The summit will provide a detailed look at Ohio manufacturers’ response to the pandemic, with insight from manufacturing leaders on what they’re doing to keep their workforces safe.
• Tools for Earn-and-Learn: Attendees will get a firsthand look at a variety of earn-and-learn models for high school students, un- and under-employed adults, and existing manufacturing employees. Experts will share innovative approaches to apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
• Proven Workforce Strategies: Sessions will provide new information on credentials and career pathways, outreach and recruitment strategies, and diversity and inclusion programs — presented by some of Ohio’s foremost workforce experts.
• Virtual Exhibit Hall: For the first time, the summit will showcase service providers, industry sector partnerships, and other manufacturing workforce resources at the virtual Exhibitor’s Hall. Visit vendors to learn how they can support your workforce efforts.
• Chances to Win Fun Prizes: Active participants will be entered in hourly prize drawings featuring fun products made by Ohio manufacturers.

Don’t miss out. Register now! 10/21/2020