Workforce Management

Tom Capps-Harshaw Joins OMA Staff

Tom Capps-Harshaw is the newest member of the OMA staff, hired as the association’s director of workforce communications.

A Cincinnati native, Tom moved to Columbus in 2012. Before joining the OMA, Tom worked for a decade at Columbus State Community College where he was the senior project manager of workforce partnerships and programs. Prior to that, he spent six years in Dayton at PNC Bank as a branch manager.

Tom is a graduate of The Ohio State University and is pursuing his graduate degree at Franklin University. In addition to music, world travel, and history, Tom is passionate about utilizing data, technology and innovation to grow educational and career opportunity awareness, especially for under-represented populations. He looks forward to growing the impact of the OMA’s workforce communications.

Email Tom to say hello. 2/6/2023

March 31 Deadline for ApprenticeOhio Training Reimbursement

As a reminder, Ohio manufacturers have until March 31 to apply for training reimbursement grants available through ApprenticeOhio. Eligible manufacturers can be reimbursed up to $2,500 per apprentice — for up to 10 apprentices — to help cover the costs of training and tools. OMA Connections William Vaughan has more details. 2/7/2023

Industry Sector Partnership Roundup: February 2023

Here’s a look at the recent or upcoming activities of several OMA-endorsed industry sector partnerships and other workforce partners:

• The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition is developing a manufacturing and business support center in Marietta to provide customized training programs and assistance with technology, according to this report by The Marietta Times.
• OMA Connections Partner MAGNET — northeast Ohio’s manufacturing extension partnership (MEP) — is spotlighting the success of its “ACCESS to Manufacturing Careers” program, a four-week program designed for individuals who seek entry-level manufacturing jobs.
• Ohio To Work Mahoning Valley has surpassed its hiring goal by 176% with 1,758 job offers placed, according to the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, which serves as the local manager of the initiative.
• The Dayton Region Manufacturers Association has posted manufacturer-pertinent resumes of job-seeking individuals who are not currently employed in the manufacturing sector.
• The Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership, which serves the greater Cincinnati region, has posted this podcast covering best practices for manufacturers that open their facilities to visiting students.
• ConxusNEO recently announced the launch of the Greater Akron Business Navigator, an online resource to help small businesses solve challenges, including workforce.

For information on Ohio’s industry sector partnerships, see this directory or email Rebecca Andriani with OMA Workforce Services. 2/2/2023

Want to Host a Summer Manufacturing Camp? This Summit Will Help You Prepare

For the past decade, Ohio’s U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and his staff have helped launch summer manufacturing camps for students in grades 4-8 in more than 20 counties. The OMA has been a partner in this effort to showcase manufacturing careers to young Ohioans.

If your company is interested in hosting a manufacturing camp this summer, Sen. Brown’s office is holding its Summer Manufacturing Camp Summit on Feb. 22 at Ohio University’s campus in Dublin. It’s free to attend, and designed for manufacturers, educators, economic development officials, and community leaders.

To RSVP for the summit, email Sen. Brown’s office with your name and contact information. Space is limited. 2/1/2023

How Manufacturers Can Pursue Second-Chance Hiring

The Manufacturing Institute has published this insight on how to create second-chance hiring programs to recruit formerly incarcerated individuals.

Panelists at the Institute’s workforce summit held last fall in Cincinnati advised companies that are interested in second-chance hiring to start with a pilot program. Employers are also encouraged to review job descriptions to ensure they specify that second-chance candidates are welcome. 2/1/2023

Report: Workforce Investments Fuel Record Reshoring

Reshoring and foreign direct investments created an estimated 1.6 million-plus U.S. manufacturing jobs between 2010 and the end of 2022, according a recent report. A key factor is America’s focus on upskilling its workforce.

To ensure Ohio has an adequate manufacturing talent pool to capitalize on the reshoring trend, the OMA has published this “Workforce Roadmap” for 2023.

Among other things, the plan establishes a goal to attract 6,000 new or upskilled incumbent employees; accelerate Innovation/Industry 4.0 education and workforce development; and expand and diversify the manufacturing talent pool. 1/30/2023

OMA Releases 2023 Workforce Roadmap

The OMA has just published its 2023 Workforce Roadmap. This publication highlights strategies needed to enhance Ohio’s network of Industry Sector Partnerships; expand earn-and-learn opportunities; accelerate workforce development related to automation and other tech innovations; implement DEI plans for recruiting; and more.

Read the roadmap or see this one-page summary. 1/24/2023

Ohio MEP Intern Program Offers Wage Reimbursements

Teenaged workers are financially benefiting from the labor shortages facing employers, reports say, earning as much as $566 a week. Considering this trend, Ohio manufacturers may wish to consider utilizing the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) internship program. It provides a 50% wage reimbursement, up to $1,500 per student.

To apply, contact your local MEP partner or email MEP staff. 1/26/2023

Guidance on Hiring Military Talent

The Manufacturing Institute has published this summary of a recent roundtable discussion featuring veterans who transitioned successfully from the military into manufacturing, as well as manufacturers who prioritize attracting and retaining military talent.

One takeaway from the discussion: Networking matters. Veterans who connect with manufacturers often land excellent job offers — and the Insitute’s “Heroes MAKE America” program can help facilitate those connections. 1/25/2023

Ohio Lawmakers Say Workforce Is a Top Issue

In a survey of Ohio lawmakers, more than a third (35%) indicated that workforce development is their top priority. The Gongwer News Service poll shows 42% of responding Republicans cited workforce as their top issue — noteworthy since the GOP holds a super-majority in both chambers.

As reported earlier, Gov. Mike DeWine recently issued an executive order calling for an in-depth study of Ohio’s workforce needs by industry and region. 1/16/2023