Workforce Management

Coming Soon: Sector Partnership in Stark County

The OMA is currently working with Stark County manufacturers — as well as the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, MAGNET, and the Stark Economic Development Board — to launch a new industry sector partnership. (Here’s an explanation of sector partnerships and why they work.)

The goal is to have a manufacturing sector partnership representing every county in the state. If your county is not represented in the Sector Partnership Directory, contact the OMA’s Sara Tracey. We can help you bring the right partners and industry champions to the table. 10/21/2020

Ohio’s Unemployment Rate Improves to 8.4%

Ohio’s unemployment rate was 8.4% in September, an improvement from 8.9% in August and 11% in June. Ohio’s employment grew by 41,500 last month as manufacturing added 3,100 jobs.

Compared to September 2019, there were 38,200 fewer manufacturing jobs due to losses in durable goods (-40,100). Manufacturers of non-durable goods have added 1,900 jobs over the past 12 months. 10/19/2020

At a Glance: Ohio’s Unemployment by County

According to the latest monthly unemployment rate map published by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, only five counties saw jobless rates above 10% or higher in September. Holmes County had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.5%. 10/22/2020

Apprenticeship Week Set for Nov. 8-14

National Apprenticeship Week 2020 is set for Nov. 8-14, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This annual event recognizes the value that apprenticeship offers employers, career seekers, and communities.

For manufacturers, apprenticeships — or earn-and-learn opportunities — have been a reliable tool for workforce development. Learn more about National Apprenticeship Week and how to participate as an employer.

If your business has apprenticeships to promote or you want to start a new apprentice program, get in touch with your local industry sector partnership. 10/15/2020

OMA Members Highlight Symposium on Credentials

In case you missed it, be sure to check out Ohio Excels’ recent symposium on industry-recognized credentials. (The recorded event starts at the 15:45 mark.)

The symposium features helpful insight and best practices from executives of OMA members, including Marzell Brown, talent management lead at Rockwell Automation, and Amy Meyer, chief organizational development officer at Rhinestahl Corporation. It also includes an explanation of Ohio’s TechCred program. 10/15/2020

Analysis: Manufacturing Hiring Trails Production in Early Stages of COVID-19 Recovery

Manufacturing activity is recovering from COVID-19, according to recent survey data from the Institute for Supply Management. But manufacturing employment has not rebounded at the same pace.

According to insight from RSM, an OMA Connections Partner, this slower recovery in manufacturing jobs may be due in part to companies adopting technologies that improve labor efficiency and require fewer labor hours on the plant floor. 10/14/2020

Youngest Workers Have Experienced Most Job Losses Due to COVID-19

According to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the COVID-19 economy has been especially brutal for America’s youngest workers. Revised data show that from February 2020 to April 2020, 35% of 16- to 19-year-olds and 30% of 20- to 24-year-olds lost their jobs. 10/13/2020

2020 Workforce Summit Offers New Features, Content

As virtual spots continue to fill up for this year’s Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit, set for Oct. 28, OMA Chairman Jane Neal, senior vice president of Cambridge-based AMG Vanadium, has issued this special invitation.

Due to continued COVID-19 precautions and social distancing requirements, the annual workforce summit will be virtual this year. Registrants will have new opportunities to interact with subject matter experts through live Q&A and chat features. Manufacturing leaders will share the innovative ways they are recruiting, avoiding layoffs, and celebrating workers. Workforce practitioners will showcase tools and strategies for remote and distance learning.

New this year is an exhibit hall for businesses and organizations that offer workforce training and other services to manufacturers, while attendees will have access to all the content for months afterward for review. Register today.10/8/2020

Still Time to Apply for Financial Aid to Upskill Employees

There are three weeks remaining for Ohio manufacturers to apply for the sixth round of TechCred — the popular program that reimburses employers to upskill workers who earn technology-focused credentials. Manufacturers have accounted for more than half of all approved TechCred applications. For more information, see the OMA’s one-page summary of the program.

Meanwhile, the state’s Individual Micro-credential Assistance Program (IMAP) is providing technology-focused retraining to low income, partially unemployed, or totally unemployed Ohioans. The program includes credentials in robotics and automation, industrial maintenance, and other manufacturing-related careers. Through IMAP, around 2,000 Ohioans can earn a credential at no cost.

Manufacturers interested in connecting with the Ohioans earning IMAP credentials can email the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation or call (614) 466-5055. 10/7/2020

C-TEC Offers Free Manufacturing Training for Adults

As we search the state for workforce training models to spotlight, today we showcase C-TEC’s Adult Education Center in Licking County. C-TEC is offering a free six-week, 120-hour program to train adults to fill positions at local manufacturers that have openings due to COVID-19.

The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority sponsored C-TEC’s first two classes, which were specifically targeted to dislocated workers from the service and retail sectors. Using CARES Act funds, Licking County commissioners have agreed to fund additional classes in October and November. Learn more here. 10/7/2020