Workforce

Jessica Borza, OMA’s managing director of workforce services, recently participated in a featured panel at the OhioTechNet’s 10-year anniversary event, celebrating a decade of workforce advancement in manufacturing and technology sectors.

The panel, “10 Years of Workforce Innovation,” highlighted the leadership and collaboration in developing earn-and-learn models, forming strategic industry-education partnerships, and aligning training with workforce demands.

Joining Jessica were Courtney Tenhover from Lorain County Community College and OhioTechNet, Jeff Miller from Sinclair College, and John Agostinelli from Amherst Exempted Village Schools. Together, they underscored the power of collaboration in building resilient, future-ready workforce systems.

For manufacturers, the message is clear: sustained engagement with workforce partners isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential to meeting Ohio’s industrial talent needs for the next decade and beyond. 4/30/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) and OhioTechNet, on behalf of the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership, have launched efforts to develop a statewide K-12 manufacturing engagement playbook. The initiative involves cataloging existing resources, aligning these tools with Ohio’s Career Connections Framework, and identifying recommendations for a statewide K-12 alignment strategy in manufacturing.

To gather regional insights, OMA and OhioTechNet are partnering with the Digital Transformation Center at UDRI and the Montgomery County ESC to host listening sessions. The first, held April 17 in Northwest Ohio by the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance (NOMA), brought together educators, manufacturers, higher ed, workforce organizations, and MEP partners. The effort builds on tools in the MakingOhio career exploration toolkit, including the In-Demand Manufacturing Career Pathways Hotcards, that help students and families explore high-demand manufacturing careers in a clear, engaging format. 4/30/2025

The Ohio State University is offering Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) boot camps to help build the next generation of talent in casting and forging.

Guided by industry and faculty experts, these weeklong programs provide hands-on training in metalcasting and forging. Participants will engage in mold making, casting design, metallurgy, heat treatment, and post-processing techniques to equip them with the practical skills essential for careers in the metallurgy field.

Learn more about the METAL boot camp summer schedule and how the graduating participants can benefit your company. 4/30/2025

Workforce development remains a top priority in Ohio, and it’s essential for manufacturers to stay informed on the issues shaping the industry. The OMA will hold its first Workforce Committee meeting of the year on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OMA offices. A Zoom option is available for those joining remotely.

The meeting will explore 2025 workforce priorities with insights from manufacturers and OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs). Attendees will gain key takeaways from the state budget, including major workforce investment proposals, advocacy updates, and the legislative timeline.

A networking lunch will follow the business meeting from noon – 1 p.m. Manufacturers are encouraged to register to participate in these important discussions. 4/22/2025

Mark your calendars for the eighth annual Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit on Thursday, November 6, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. This premier event brings together manufacturers, educators, and workforce leaders to explore solutions to Ohio’s talent challenges.

With the theme “Forging the Future: Building Talent Pipelines for Manufacturing Success,” the Summit will spotlight collaborative, employer-led strategies driving workforce development across the state.

To help shape this year’s agenda, OMA invites manufacturers to submit proposals for breakout sessions. This is your chance to showcase strategies, best practices, and innovative workforce solutions that are making an impact. Each session will be 75 minutes, concluding with audience Q&A.

Submit your proposal by May 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. A review committee will evaluate all qualified proposals, with selected presenters notified by June 27. Please reach out to Mary Voigt with any questions. 4/22/2025

MAGNET and Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County will co-present a free forum, Manufacturers’ Operational and Energy Efficiency, on Wednesday, May 7, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

The event features MAGNET subject matter experts and local manufacturers discussing how operational improvements, energy efficiency, and leadership strategies can impact the bottom line. Local economic development and civic leaders will also speak.

Manufacturers in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties will learn about ARC ARISE funding and a current energy efficiency grant available in the region. Registration is limited, so manufacturers are encouraged to register soon.

MAGNET is part of Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, which supports manufacturers with expert guidance and resources. MEP funding is currently at risk in the proposed federal budget cuts. Manufacturers supportive of MEP can contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to contact the U.S. Department of Commerce to restore MEP funding! 4/15/2025

The OMA and its endorsed industry sector partnerships (ISPs) played a central role in securing $8 million in Super RAPIDS grants by coordinating regional efforts to invest in equipment that supports in-demand manufacturing training.

Working closely with schools, manufacturers, and economic development partners, the OMA and ISPs helped shape equipment project proposals that directly align with regional workforce needs. ISP and OMA representatives guided schools through the proposal process, using the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model both to identify manufacturers’ priority skill needs and to design equipment projects that build those competencies. 4/15/2025

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, and ODHE Chancellor Duffey announced that $8 million was awarded in the latest round of Super RAPIDS grants to 39 universities, community colleges, and career technical centers across Ohio. The RAPIDS program provides funding to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for students in education and training programs tailored to regional workforce needs.

Awardees use this funding to update equipment and enhance training opportunities for over 6,600 students, preparing them for careers in Ohio’s expanding manufacturing industries.

“We’re seeing historic investments in Ohio that are creating thousands of new jobs, and we need a workforce ready to step into those opportunities,” said Governor DeWine. “This Super RAPIDS funding will ensure students are training on the same state-of-the-art equipment they’ll use on the job, giving them a direct path to these careers.

Manufacturers are encouraged to connect with awardees receiving RAPIDS funds to help shape training programs and develop a skilled talent pipeline. View the full recipient list and learn more about how this funding supports workforce development in Ohio’s manufacturing sector. 4/9/2025

Hiring a skilled and available workforce is a top priority for Ohio manufacturers – and Fair Chance Employment can help. The revamped Untapped Talent Tools library now features 23 curated resources, including guides, case studies, and best practices designed to help manufacturers and Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) successfully hire and retain returning citizens.

What’s inside?

• Step-by-step guidance on getting started
• Best practices for hiring and retention
• Strategies for effective communication and partnership-building

By reducing barriers to employment, manufacturers can access a motivated talent pool while strengthening their workforce. Explore these tools and put Fair Chance hiring into action. 4/9/2025

In an effort to address talent pipeline gaps, the Workforce Connect Manufacturing Sector Partnership (WCMSP), an OMA-Endorsed ISP, created the Early College Early Career program (ECEC). This program is designed to introduce 11th graders to manufacturing as a career path, drive excitement for the industry, and revitalize STEM. Prior offerings have seen more than 95% of graduates receive, at minimum, one job offer upon completion.

WCMSP recently welcomed nearly 70 new students into this program, which marks the beginning of their 18-month journey into manufacturing career exploration and hands-on learning in manufacturing. If you are a manufacturer interested in ECEC, learn more about how this program can benefit you and your community. 4/9/2025

Through WorkAdvance, the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA), an OMA-Endorsed ISP, connected Noble Tool with McKeisha Hamilton, a determined job seeker eager for a career in manufacturing. Originally from Jamaica, Hamilton worked two jobs while earning her GED. With training from WorkAdvance, she gained the skills needed to transition into the industry – at no cost to her or Noble Tool.

Recognizing her potential, Noble Tool Owner Jim Bowman hired Hamilton and supported her from the start. “I may have caught lightning in a bottle with McKeisha,” Bowman said. “She is an excellent employee, a hard worker, and she’ll do whatever she needs to get the job done.” In just three months, she has exceeded expectations and is building a stable future in manufacturing.

WorkAdvance helps manufacturers access skilled talent ready from day one. Hear more from Noble Tool owner, Jim Bowman, and McKeisha about how WorkAdvance has made a difference for them. 4/2/2025

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin recently announced Ohio’s 2025 Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils.

“A top-notch Business Advisory Council is a critical tool in Ohio’s Workforce Playbook,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “By getting local business leaders talking with school leaders, we can focus on developing students in the skillsets that make their area of the state special. This will lead to special results as we continue to develop our workforce across Ohio.”

Ohio is home to 110 Business Advisory Councils. To learn more about ODEW’s Quality Practices for councils, visit Business Advisory Council webpage. 4/1/2024

In-Demand Jobs Week, the first full week of May, is quickly approaching. This week is a statewide celebration of Ohio’s top industries, skills, and career opportunities. Manufacturers across the state are encouraged to host events to spark interest and raise awareness about rewarding careers in manufacturing among students and job seekers.

To support your efforts, MakingOhio offers a free planning guide. This resource includes tips on getting started, understanding your audience, participation ideas, and measuring success.

If you are hosting an In-Demand Jobs event, make sure to add it to the Office of Workforce Transformation’s interactive map by emailing In-DemandJobs@jfs.ohio.gov with the event name, date/time, and a short description to encourage students and job seekers to attend. 4/1/2024

Ohio TechNet (OTN), a statewide consortium of more than 45 community colleges, technical centers, and universities, is celebrating 10 years of advancing manufacturing workforce solutions. Since its launch, OTN has generated over $70 million of investments in Ohio’s workforce strategies and has been a key partner of the OMA, with collaboration focused on addressing Ohio’s manufacturing workforce needs through innovative education and training initiatives.

On April 30th from 9:30 am – 2 pm, OTN will host the Innovating, Investing, Leading for the Defense Industrial Base event at Lorain County Community College Spitzer Conference Center. This event brings together industry leaders, workforce experts, and education partners to highlight strategies that address the evolving talent needs of manufacturing, with a particular focus on the defense industrial base. OMA managing director of workforce services, Jessica Borza, will join a panel highlighting a decade of workforce innovation. View the full agenda and learn more about this milestone event. 3/16/2025

On March 14, the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership (AMIP), an OMA-Endorsed ISP, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) convened a roundtable, bringing together 15 leaders from manufacturing, education, and government organizations to address the growing shortage of manufacturing instructors. As America’s workforce ages and experienced workers retire, it is a shared responsibility to ensure the next generation of machine operators, welders, and maintenance technicians are ready to join the industry.

Participants identified challenges manufacturing instructors are facing, including awareness of opportunities, pay gaps between education and industry, and barriers to entering the classroom. Ultimately, thirteen potential solutions were named and ranked on an effort versus impact matrix to determine next steps for the Southwest Ohio region. Download a full report of the ranked solutions and read more about the roundtable discussion on AMIP’s website. 3/14/2025

Ohio’s manufacturing sector employs over 680,000 people and contributes 17.5% of the state’s GDP. As demand grows for skilled technicians and operators, a unified workforce strategy is critical.

The OMA is leading efforts to expand WorkAdvance, Ohio’s leading entry-level program that has placed nearly 1,400 workers in manufacturing careers since early 2023, across the state. OMA is also driving efforts to implement the Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program to connect manufacturers, educators, and students through youth outreach and career education.

Additionally, the Ohio Manufacturing Technology Assistance Program (MTAP) would support Ohio’s small to mid-size manufacturers to invest in the adoption and integration of smart technologies, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

On March 13, OMA’s manufacturing leaders provided testimony to amend House Bill 96 to secure $12.4 million for WorkAdvance and $6.7 million for the Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program. You can shape the outcome of this decision by adding your voice.

Click the button below to take action and call your state lawmakers to urge support for these amendments to HB 96 to ensure Ohio maintains a strong, unified manufacturing workforce strategy. 3/13/2025

The OMA released the Q1 edition of its Workforce Briefing, the third and refined installment of this quarterly publication. The briefing keeps the Ohio manufacturing workforce ecosystem informed and aligned, providing updates for and from manufacturers, on the OMA’s workforce initiatives.

The Q1 edition highlights the OMA’s workforce services priorities through stories and impacts from manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), and workforce development partners to help strengthen alignment and workforce strategies across Ohio’s manufacturing workforce community.

Share this resource with your organizations and peers. To receive future quarterly editions, opt in to the OMA Workforce Community. 3/17/2025

Raise the Bar (RTB), an OMA-Endorsed ISP, is aligning education with the skills manufacturers need. By surveying local employers, RTB is identifying critical gaps in workforce readiness, from robotics training to industry-recognized credentials.

-Educators are still gaining insight into the specific skill needs of manufacturing, creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. RTB bridges this knowledge gap through industry tours for teachers, employer engagement in schools, and aligning local in-demand industry-recognized credentials and workforce programs with TechCred and Ohio’s graduation requirements.

Manufacturers in Hancock County can connect with Tricia Valasek at RTB to share workforce needs, or if not in Hancock County, engage with their local ISP to strengthen workforce alignment. 3/5/2025

Ohio’s community colleges are leading higher education growth, surpassing national enrollment trends. Engineering technologies programs saw a 7.2% increase over the past year, reflecting rising demand for high-tech skills in manufacturing.

As global companies like Intel and Honda/LG expand in Ohio, developing a skilled high-tech workforce is critical. Increased enrollment aligns with the growing industry needs, ensuring graduates are ready for advanced roles. 3/5/2025

The North Shore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership, led by Ohio TechNet, brings together five community colleges and industry leaders to address manufacturing workforce needs. Supported by a $5.7 million U.S. Department of Labor Strengthening Community Colleges initiative, the partnership focuses on expanding in-demand engineering technician career programs through hands-on learning and industry collaboration.

This initiative tests innovative strategies to enhance efficiency and workforce readiness across Ohio. Key objectives include scaling earn-and-learn models, aligning training programs with industry demands, and expanding credit for prior learning in manufacturing pathways. Over four years, the program aims to serve 875 participants, strengthening Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline.

Learn more about the North Shore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership and its partnering colleges and organizations. 3/5/2025