News and Analysis
MFG Day Celebrated Across Ohio
October 8, 2021Last Friday, Oct. 1, Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and other senior members of the administration celebrated MFG Day by visiting multiple manufacturers across the state. OMA staff members were also in attendance. Stops by DeWine and Husted included:
- Libbey Glass in Toledo;
- Vitamix in Strongsville;
- Taylor-Winfield Technologies in Youngstown;
- Worthington Industries in Worthington;
- Hi-Tek Manufacturing in Mason; and
- Wurth Electronics-ICS Inc. in Miamisburg.
In addition, several OMA-endorsed industry sector partnerships hosted and/or participated in MFG Day events. Among the partnerships that received media coverage for their efforts were the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition, Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, and Dayton Region Manufacturers Association.
Meanwhile, MFG Month continues for another three weeks. As OMA Chair Dale Laws of Whirlpool Corp. wrote, now is the time to remind fellow Ohioans — especially our young people — why manufacturing remains the backbone of Ohio’s economy. 10/7/21
Creators Wanted Tour Begins in the Buckeye State
October 8, 2021This week, from Oct. 4-7, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and The Manufacturing Institute debuted their Creators Wanted Live tour in Ohio. By bringing an escape room-like challenge to the campus of Columbus State Community College, young Ohioans were able to get a hands-on look at the opportunities awaiting them in modern manufacturing.
The event featured a special presentation to school students with remarks from Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, American Honda Motor Company Executive Vice President Rick Schostek, OMA President Ryan Augsburger, and others.
Keep the momentum going by sharing this Creators Wanted for Students page.10/7/2021
A Makeover for MakingOhio.com
October 8, 2021Just in time for MFG Month, MakingOhio.com — Ohio manufacturing’s career website — now features a fresh look and expanded content. The update features photography that reflects modern manufacturing, along with more intuitive navigation for exploring career options; a broader variety of videos showing what it’s like to work in our industry; and new resources for educators.
The Making Ohio initiative and MakingOhio.com were launched in 2018 to spotlight manufacturing careers. Encourage students, young workers, and career-switchers — as well as parents and educators — to check out the new and improved MakingOhio.com. 10/6/2021
Still Time to Register for Workforce Summit, Oct. 27-28
October 8, 2021OMA board officers have posted this video message inviting manufacturers to register for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit — an all-virtual event to be held over two afternoons on Oct. 27 and 28. This year’s summit will not only focus on new strategies to recruit manufacturing employees, but also how to retain current workers.
If you haven’t already, check out the summit schedule and register. 10/4/2021
It’s MFG Day (and Month)!
October 1, 2021This is it — manufacturing’s big day and month have arrived. Here are some of the latest updates:
- Gov. Mike DeWine has proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month across Ohio.
- OMA Chairman Dale Laws of Whirlpool Corp. has written this editorial to spotlight the significant contributions manufacturers make to Ohio’s economy and quality of life. (Whirlpool has also released videos featuring employees from its plants to celebrate MFG Day.)
- This map by The Manufacturing Institute spotlights MFG Day events registered with the organization. (The Institute has also published this MFG Day kickoff video.)
- The OMA has published sample MFG Day/Month messages you can share on social media, as well as manufacturing infographics like this and this.
- OMA board officers have posted this video message inviting manufacturers to register for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit, an all-virtual event to be held over two half-days, Oct. 27 and 28.
Have photos, reports, or media coverage from your MFG Day/Month event? Email Jamie Karl so the OMA can share the news of your event. 9/30/2021
Details on Creators Wanted Visit to Ohio, Oct. 4-7
October 1, 2021As previously reported, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and The Manufacturing Institute are bringing the Creators Wanted Live tour to Columbus next week, Oct. 4-7, at Columbus State Community College in the Mitchell Hall parking lot (224 Cleveland Ave.).
Of special note, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, along with American Honda Motor Company Executive Vice President Rick Schostek and others, will discuss efforts to reduce the skills gap and increase the number of students in technical and vocational or reskilling programs.
See this YouTube video for a look at the tour’s immersive experience — with an escape room-like challenge — aimed at inspiring job seekers, students, parents, and teachers by spotlighting careers in modern manufacturing. If you would like to take part in this event and check out the Creators Wanted experience, reserve your spot now. 9/30/2021
Report: Higher Education Switches to ‘Jobs First’ Model
October 1, 2021U.S. News and World Report recently spotlighted higher education’s pivot towards a “jobs first” approach and industry-recognized credentials. This will give employers opportunities “to build new and diverse pipelines,” while “shifting toward a skills-based hiring model” using earn-and-learn programs.
The publication recognizes Ohio’s Lorain County Community College and its Fast-Track program, which offers short-term certificates that are tuition-free, generate credits that can lead to additional certificates or degrees, and come with a dedicated career coach and connectivity to employers. 9/30/2021
October Brings New Funding Round for TechCred
October 1, 2021Ohio employers looking to upskill their workforce can begin applying for the next round of TechCred beginning today, Oct. 1. The application period closes Friday, Oct. 29. See this guidance document to learn about TechCred and how to apply.
SinceTechCred was launched in late 2019, more than 1,400 employers have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 26,872 tech-focused credentials by employees. Manufacturers have accounted for around half of the approved applications.10/1/2021
COVID-19 Can’t Stop MFG Day in Ohio
September 24, 2021For the second consecutive year, COVID-19 is forcing manufacturers and their supporters to take creative approaches in their planning for MFG Day. As Oct. 1 nears, the Buckeye State continues to leads the nation in the number of MFG Day events registered on The Manufacturing Institute’s official map.
One example: The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition — an OMA-endorsed sector partnership — has organized events for students in several southeast Ohio counties. Read about their planned activities.
If your company wants to host a MFG Day event — either in person or virtually — there’s still time to register. (See this communication for details.) If Oct. 1 doesn’t fit your schedule, you can select any day that works for you. 9/23/2021
Social Media Assets for MFG Day (and Month)
September 24, 2021MFG Day (Friday, Oct. 1) — as well as Manufacturing Month (all of October) — is the perfect time to remind fellow Ohioans why manufacturing is the backbone of Ohio.
For manufacturers (or their supporters) that want to share the good news about manufacturing careers, the OMA has created this bank of sample social media messages for MFG Day and Manufacturing Month. (Of course, you should feel free to personalize these messages and include images from your workplace.)
Also, check out this list of reasons why manufacturing is a great career choice. Then share it with the young people you know. 9/23/2021