Workforce

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) recently hosted Midwest Representative from the U.S. Department of Labor, Danielle Vale, for a series of visits and discussions highlighting Ohio’s employer-led workforce strategy. During her visit, Vale engaged directly with WorkAdvance cohorts at C-TEC and Worthington Enterprises and participated in the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership’s quarterly meeting, where she noted the strong alignment between Ohio’s efforts and America’s Talent Strategy.

The visit showcased what distinguishes Ohio’s approach — an industry-led model supported by statewide alignment at the strategy level and implemented through a robust network of Industry Sector Partnerships. OMA and its partners highlighted the success of the WorkAdvance model, as well as the development of the new Technician Fast Track program launching this summer, positioning Ohio as a national demonstration site for an employer-driven workforce system.

Discussions also focused on opportunities to better align federal policies and funding structures to enhance flexibility, expand access, and scale employer-led workforce pathways — reinforcing Ohio’s leadership and readiness to advance this work at a national level. 4/22/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will host its next Workforce Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OMA offices in Columbus, with a Zoom option available. This meeting will bring manufacturers together for timely updates and discussion on workforce strategies, programs, and policy developments shaping Ohio’s manufacturing workforce.

Agenda highlights include hearing directly from OMA and manufacturing leaders on emerging programs and initiatives aligned with the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, including updates to the Competency Model, the new Technician Fast Track earn-and-learn program, and the growing role of AI in manufacturing. Manufacturers will also gain insights into key workforce-related policy issues and hear about a new grant opportunity focused on expanding manufacturing career pathway programs into high schools and Career Technical Centers.

Manufacturers are encouraged to register for the meeting to share perspectives and stay engaged in shaping Ohio’s workforce priorities. 4/24/2026

Central Ohio’s manufacturing sector is growing and the supply chain that supports it needs to grow with it.

The Ohio Supply Chain Academic Network (O-SCAN) brings employers, educators, and workforce partners together to strengthen the supply chain talent pipeline, improving awareness, aligning training to real industry needs, and connecting students and jobseekers to clear career pathways.

If you’re a manufacturer, logistics provider, distributor, or supply chain employer, we invite you to join the network and help shape the future workforce. Together, we can build a pipeline that’s job-ready, future-ready, and aligned to support continued growth across our region. Learn more or join here. 4/20/2026

Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Ohio connects educators and employers to help K-12 students explore real-world careers and build the skills, confidence and connections they need for the future.

Through the JA Career Speaker program, manufacturing professionals visit classrooms to share their own education and career journeys, spotlighting pathways into Ohio manufacturing, including paid apprenticeships and jobs available right out of high school. These conversations help students connect classroom learning to in-demand career opportunities.

Volunteering is flexible and high-impact. Participants can sign up individually or with colleagues.

“It is easy to sign up as a JA Career Speaker volunteer, and the opportunities to speak to students fit nicely within my work schedule,” said Tim Ling, senior director of environmental at Plaskolite. “Many middle school students do not know what goes on in manufacturing and are surprised by the number of well-paying careers available at all education levels. Middle school is the ideal time to start that conversation.”

To learn more about JA throughout the U.S. and Ohio, click here. 4/24/2026

Leaders from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) on Tuesday outlined a statewide strategy to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing workforce during the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition Annual Gathering in Marietta.

Lauren Massie, OMA director of workforce services, and Nick Miller, OMA managing director of member services and policy engagement, discussed Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, a public-private initiative launched with the DeWine administration to strengthen the state’s pipeline of manufacturing talent. Massie focused on the Blueprint’s five strategic pillars, including career awareness, education and training alignment, and expanded earn-and-learn pathways, while Miller also spoke about energy issues affecting manufacturers and opportunities for companies to engage more deeply with OMA membership.

Massie highlighted the new Ohio Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program, which equips manufacturers with tools, training and data tracking to expand career exploration in schools.

“We’re grateful to the manufacturers and partners across Appalachian Ohio who are stepping up to build the next generation of talent,” Miller said. “That kind of collaboration is how Ohio wins.” 4/15/2026

In advance of National Apprenticeship Week, April 26 to May 2, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is excited to announce the launch of Technician Fast Track, a new one-year, earn-and-learn technician workforce program built with and for Ohio manufacturers. More than 45 manufacturers of all sizes and sectors helped define the skills needed for entry-level technicians, resulting in a shared statewide role definition and training program grounded in real plants, real schedules and real workforce needs. More than 40 educators representing Ohio Technical Centers, community colleges and universities then partnered to design curriculum that can be delivered by any public institution across the state.

Kicking off in June 2026, three regions have signed on to pilot the program: Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership, MAGNET and Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition. The launch marks an important step in scaling a consistent, employer-driven approach to technician training across Ohio.

Manufacturers interested in learning more or participating in the program are encouraged to submit an interest form to get involved. 4/15/2026

April is recognized as Second Chance Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the importance of supporting individuals who are justice-impacted as they re-enter the workforce. Across Ohio, programs and services are helping returning citizens prepare for employment and connect with in-demand career opportunities, creating stronger pathways into the workforce.

“Every year, about 18,000 people are released from Ohio institutions,” said Matt Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. “To support them, we have established specialized OhioMeansJobs Centers inside correctional facilities. These centers help individuals build resumes and connect with employers before release, making re-entry smoother and more successful.”

Efforts like these highlight the importance of continued collaboration between employers and workforce partners to expand access to meaningful career opportunities.

Explore the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association resource library to access tools and guidance that support second chance hiring practices and strengthen your workforce strategies. 4/8/2026

In-Demand Jobs Week is quickly approaching. Taking place May 4–8, 2026, 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 of rewarding careers in manufacturing among students and job seekers.

To support these efforts, MakingOhio offers a free planning guide with tips on getting started, understanding your audience, participation ideas, and measuring success. If you are hosting an In-Demand Jobs Week event, be sure to submit it to the Office of Workforce Transformation’s interactive map by emailing In-DemandJobs@jfs.ohio.gov with the event name, date and time, and a short description to promote opportunities and encourage participation. 4/8/2026

Engaging students in meaningful workforce experiences often requires a balance of hands-on learning and accessible career exploration. During the Columbus Urban League’s “Playbook Series,” Chip City Adventures proved to be an effective tool for keeping high school students engaged while rotating through multiple activities. Paired alongside hands-on simulations like VR, the interactive modules provided students with valuable context and continuous engagement throughout the experience.

“Chip City Adventures provided the broader industry context — showing students the full spectrum of roles available beyond entry-level positions, from programming CNC machines to engineering and design work,” shared Tawanna Williams, associate vice president of youth leadership and workforce development. By complementing hands-on experiences with accessible, easy-to-use content, Chip City Adventures helps manufacturers and educators introduce students to real-world career pathways without requiring specialized equipment or deep technical expertise.

Read the full story and explore how Chip City Adventures can be integrated into your student engagement efforts. 4/2/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is pleased to announce the expansion of its Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) network for the 2026–2028 endorsement cycle, bringing the statewide network to 20 endorsed ISPs covering 85 of Ohio’s 88 counties. This includes one new ISP and the renewal of 19 partnerships, reflecting continued momentum in building a coordinated, employer-led approach to workforce development across the state.

ISPs are central to advancing the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, particularly Pillar 1: connecting workforce systems and priorities across Ohio. Through ISPs, manufacturers and local partners work together to tackle shared hiring and training challenges — better aligning training to real jobs, reaching more people, and creating clearer pathways into manufacturing careers. That work is happening in communities across Ohio, and together, it is what gives the network its statewide strength.

Explore the updated ISP Map and Directory to learn more about the network and identify opportunities to engage across regions. 3/25/2026

At the recent webinar, Scaling K–12 Engagement for Manufacturers, speakers explored why early career awareness is critical to helping students understand modern manufacturing careers and the pathways that lead to them. The session featured Rich Rogers of Covestro, Mike McNicol of C-TEC Licking County, and Kyle Fulton of the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership, which is serving as the pilot Industry Sector Partnership for the Ohio Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program.

The discussion highlighted the Career Ambassador Program as a practical model for helping manufacturers connect students to modern manufacturing careers through classroom engagement, career awareness activities, and coordinated regional support. Participants also heard how the pilot is being implemented and what has been learned so far.

Manufacturers interested in getting involved in the Career Ambassador Program are encouraged to submit an interest form and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will follow up with you to connect you with resources and partners in your region. 3/18/2026

A new fellowship opportunity is aiming to help more women enter advanced manufacturing and move into long-term leadership roles.

The DeRocco Fellowship pairs paid summer internships with mentorship, professional development and industry exposure to help turn short-term work experience into a stronger career pathway. The program also gives manufacturers another model for building talent pipelines by connecting students with real-world experience and support early in their careers. Women enrolled in community college, undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to apply.

Applications for the summer 2026 cohort are due April 30. 3/20/2026

The Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) and Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) partnered to host the OSLN Statewide Design Challenge, engaging students from elementary through high school in hands-on problem solving. Using design thinking, students developed plans, systems, or products that explore the future of electric vehicles, production facilities, batteries, drones, and advanced air transportation systems to advance the movement of people and goods in Ohio.

As part of the challenge, student teams collaborated with industry partners, including Honda, to ensure their ideas addressed real-world industry needs. The top 21 teams presented their projects at the State Showcase ahead of the awards ceremony, with Monroeville Elementary, Marysville Early College High, and Glandorf Elementary earning top prizes for projects focused on drone delivery and more efficient school bus systems.

The OMA is partnering with OSLN again this year to launch a new Design Challenge focused on manufacturing in unique environments. This year’s challenge asks students to consider the question: how can we change or improve how we make things so we can build materials, parts and products in new places or environments? Manufacturers interested in getting involved are encouraged to complete an interest form. 3/12/2026

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Jessica Borza, managing director of workforce services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), to the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board.

The board brings together business, education and workforce leaders to advise the governor, lieutenant governor and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation on emerging workforce needs and strategies to better align training, education and employer demand. Its work helps ensure Ohioans are prepared for in demand jobs while strengthening coordination across the state’s workforce system.

“Jessica knows how to turn workforce strategy into real jobs,” said Dave O’Neil, OMA director of communications. “She will make sure manufacturers have a strong voice where statewide workforce decisions are made.”

In her role at OMA, Borza leads initiatives that expand industry sector partnerships, develop talent pathways and drive employer led solutions that help Ohio companies find and retain skilled workers. 3/2/2026

Stay connected to the latest workforce developments shaping Ohio’s manufacturing sector! As part of the Workforce Management Community, you’ll receive essential workforce news, resources, publications, and invitations to events that offer opportunities to engage with peers and support statewide workforce strategies.

Members are also encouraged to engage in the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Workforce Committee, which meets quarterly, to discuss key issues, share insights, and help guide workforce initiatives across the state.

Opt in to the Workforce Management Community to stay engaged with OMA Workforce Services and participate in advancing Ohio’s manufacturing workforce initiatives. 3/5/2026

Ohio manufacturers this week urged lawmakers to advance Senate Bill 328, legislation aimed at strengthening Ohio’s education-to-workforce alignment through expanded career exploration, improved coaching consistency and greater transparency on workforce outcomes.

Testifying before the Senate Education Committee, Alexis McCullough of THK Manufacturing of America Inc. said workforce shortages remain manufacturers’ most pressing constraint and called for earlier and more intentional career awareness for students. The bill would require structured middle school career exploration, establish a statewide career coaching framework and create an Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative to better align education data with labor market demand.

“This is about building the talent pipeline earlier and with greater clarity,” said Lindsey Short, managing director of energy and advocacy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “When students understand how coursework connects to real careers and employers are part of the process, outcomes improve for families and for Ohio’s economy.”

The association said sustainable funding, phased implementation and strong employer partnerships, including through its Career Ambassador Program, will be essential to ensuring the legislation delivers measurable workforce results. 3/3/2026

Engaging students early is essential to building awareness of modern manufacturing careers. Chip City Adventures, available on Making Ohio, is a free, interactive eLearning experience designed to introduce students to high-demand careers across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, biopharma manufacturing, and electric vehicles, batteries, and EV supply equipment (EV, Battery, and EVSE).

Through interactive modules, students can explore the science and technology behind each industry, gain a day in the life look at entry-level roles, and connect with real Ohio companies. Manufacturers and educators can use Chip City Adventures as a practical tool to support classroom learning, career exploration activities, and outreach efforts that help students discover pathways into Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. 3/5/2026

Automation and artificial intelligence are poised to reshape manufacturing workforces over the next five years, with adoption expected to more than double by 2030. The trend reflects evolving operating models and rising expectations for technical capability within the workforce.

As advanced systems become more embedded in production environments, demand is expected to grow for workers skilled in data interpretation, systems oversight, advanced maintenance and process optimization. The shift reinforces the importance of skills-based hiring, competency-aligned training and earn-and-learn pathways that connect workers directly to in-demand roles.

Ohio’s competitive position will depend not only on technology investment, but on the strength of its talent pipeline. Workforce strategy and technology strategy now move together. 3/2/2026

This week, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) convened its Workforce Committee to highlight continued progress on advancing the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint. OMA shared updates on two priority efforts that have gained strong momentum since the Blueprint’s release last fall — the Ohio Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program and the new one-year Technician Earn and Learn model.

Manufacturers and Industry Sector Partnerships shared perspectives and early experiences with each model, offering practical insights into how these approaches support student engagement and technician career pathways. Their input reinforced the importance of coordinated, employer-driven solutions that align regional and local implementation with statewide workforce priorities.

The meeting also featured insights from JobsOhio, with Shawn Hendrix presenting findings from its first-of-its-kind Technician Research, highlighting what — and who — is influencing job seekers to pursue technician careers. Jason Miller and Shannon Vanderpool from the Ohio Department of Development concluded the meeting to share updates on critical state workforce funding opportunities, including TechCred and the Ohio Industry Sector Partnership Grant.

The committee will reconvene May 13 as OMA and its members continue advancing coordinated, employer-driven workforce solutions. 2/25/2026

New Cleveland Fed research finds the employment advantage traditionally held by young college graduates has narrowed significantly, reflecting broader shifts in hiring patterns and entry-level job opportunities. The analysis shows unemployment gaps between recent college graduates and high school graduates have fallen to levels not seen in decades, driven in part by slower job-finding rates among younger degree holders.

Economists point to structural shifts across industries, including technology disruption and evolving workforce demands, as factors reshaping early career pathways. The findings reinforce the importance of skills-based hiring, earn-and-learn programs and practical training models that connect workers directly to in-demand careers.

As employers navigate a changing labor market, the report highlights how diversified workforce pathways can help strengthen recruitment pipelines and support sustainable growth across Ohio’s manufacturing sector. 2/27/2026