Workforce Management

Ohio’s Manufacturing Mentorship Program at Work

Last year, Ohio established its Manufacturing Mentorship Program, authorized by the FY 2020-21 state budget. The program allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work in a manufacturing operation through part-time employment — without having to commit to a technical education program or career center.

Now the Ohio Department of Commerce has produced this video to provide a real-world example of how the program works. The video spotlights Mahoning County’s Extrudex Aluminum, as well as two young Ohioans — now full-time employees — who were introduced to the company via the mentorship program. (An introduction from the OMA’s Rob Brundrett explains why the association advocated for the creation of this program.) 10/27/2021

Ohio Manufacturing Initiative Has Already Served More Than 500 Apprentices

In mid-2019, the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP) — a collaboration of the OMA and Ohio TechNet — announced a major initiative to upskill 5,000 Ohioans through innovative earn-and-learn (apprenticeship) programs.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the effort is off to a solid start as illustrated in this update. As of June 30, more than 500 apprentices had been served — and nearly 250 apprentices had been hired and enrolled in earn-and-learn programs.

A surge in participating employers and recruits is expected as the economy recovers. Employers that take advantage of earn-and-learn opportunities will be ahead of their competitors in the drive for new talent. Make a plan to utilize earn-and-learn positions at your business by working with your industry sector partnership. 10/26/2021

How to Recruit (and Retain) Women in Manufacturing

On Nov. 30, the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP) — a collaboration of the OMA and Ohio TechNet — along with The Manufacturing Institute will host a one-hour webinar to identify best practices to attract and retain women in the workforce. This event will focus specifically on Ohio manufacturing. Learn more and register. 10/26/2021

Labor Secretary Checks Out Northeast Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce Development

U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh visited Cleveland this week to check out the workforce development capabilities of MAGNET, which oversees Cuyahoga County’s industry sector partnership, Workforce Connect.

At this event, OMA Managing Director of Workforce Services Sara Tracey and Lorain County Community College President Dr. Marcia Ballinger briefed the secretary and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on Ohio’s earn-and-learn initiative, which is supported by a U.S. Department of Labor grant. They also discussed Ohio’s plans to expand work-based learning to address the manufacturing talent shortage.

This video report by News 5 Cleveland notes that the proposed trillion dollar bipartisan infrastructure bill “and the likely requirement that all project products used are manufactured in America” will place greater demands on workforce development. 10/27/2021

TechCred Application Deadline Is 3 p.m. Today, Oct. 29

The application deadline for the current funding round of TechCred is 3 p.m. today, Oct. 29. To date, more than 1,500 Ohio employers — a large percentage of which are manufacturers — have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 29,272 tech-focused credentials by employees. The OMA’s guidance document can help with the application process. 10/29/2021

Only a Few Days Left to Register for Workforce Summit

The fifth annual Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit — an all-virtual event held over two afternoons, Oct. 27 and 28 (1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. both days) — offers the chance to learn from top workforce experts so your business can grow (and retain) its talent. But to take advantage of this opportunity, you’ll need to register soon.

Check out the credentials of the many subject-matter experts who will be presenting at this year’s summit. 10/21/2021

Manufacturing Month Keeps Rolling in Ohio

Across Ohio, MFG Month events continue to highlight the rewarding careers available in manufacturing. Some recent examples include the following:

• Staff and professors from The Ohio State University at Lima’s engineering technology program visited Lima-area manufacturers to study workforce needs.
• In Piqua, OMA members French Oil Mill Machinery Co. and Hartzell Industries Inc. co-hosted a tour of the city’s manufacturing business, attracting more than 700 high school students.
• Marion Technical College held its annual “Made in Marion Expo” so manufacturers could speak to local students. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was a guest speaker.
• Manufacturers in the Lima area showcased their career opportunities at last weekend’s MakerFest Job Fair.

For manufacturing career information that can be shared at any time with students, career-switchers, parents, and educators, check out the newly updated MakingOhio.com. 10/21/2021

MFG Month Celebrations Across Ohio

Across Ohio, OMA-endorsed industry sector partnerships continue to support MFG Month events.

Last week, the Alliance for Working Together (AWT) — the sector partnership for Ashtabula, Geauga, and Lake counties — helped host the “Think Manufacturing” career fair at Mentor High School. According to reports, approximately 400 students and 45 manufacturers participated in the expo, which exposed young people to manufacturing through the use of virtual reality headsets.

Meanwhile, the Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership co-hosted an Oct. 7 event, featuring remarks from U.S. Rep. Marci Kaptur (D-Ohio), to recognize the importance of the area’s manufacturers. 10/12/2021

Explore New Resources at MakingOhio.com

As previously reported, the OMA earlier this month relaunched MakingOhio.com — a tool for all Ohio manufacturers and their supporters to showcase manufacturing careers and career-building resources. Among the site’s new features are the following:

• a broader variety of videos that spotlight modern manufacturing jobs;
• job descriptions linked to Ohio Means Jobs listings;
• an earn-an-learn page that allows students and career-switchers to submit contact information to learn of opportunities in their area; and
• new resources for educators.

Members, industry sector partnerships, and other manufacturing stakeholders are encouraged to adopt the Making Ohio brand and use the website and resources when conducting outreach — especially as Manufacturing Month continues. 10/14/2021

National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 15-21

As earn-and-learn programs play a vital role in building the talent pipeline, manufacturers nationwide are getting ready to recognize National Apprenticeship Week, set for Nov. 15-21. The U.S. Department of Labor has information and resources on how to participate and create your own apprenticeship program.

Earlier this year, the OMA hosted a webinar to help manufacturers better understand earn-and-learn models, and another webinar offering an earn-and-learn toolkit for entry-level positions.

If your business has apprenticeships to promote right now — or you want to investigate starting a new apprentice program — get in touch with your local industry sector partnership. 10/12/2021