Workforce Management

BGSU Smart Technology Manufacturing Program Highlighted

The Toledo Blade recently highlighted the Advancing Regional Talent in Smart Technology Enabled Manufacturing program by OMA Connections Partner Bowling Green State University.

The program works to build a pipeline of high school and community college students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. 2/13/2024

Ohio Educational Technical Content Standards Being Updated for Manufacturing

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) is updating the Technical Content Standards for Engineering, Science Technologies, and Manufacturing. Insight from Ohio manufacturers is crucial in shaping these standards to ensure they align with real-world competencies and current industry needs.

Ohio manufacturers can directly contribute by completing the Engineering and Science Technologies and Manufacturing Career Fields’ Public Comment Survey by March 16, 2024.

For questions or to join the advisory committee, contact the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. 2/14/2024

New CHIPS Funding Announced

Last week, the Biden administration announced $5 billion in new investments to expand semiconductor manufacturing and research, including funds to support workforce development and training opportunities. 2/12/2024

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown Hosts Third Summer Manufacturing Camp Summit

Manufacturers, educators, economic development officials, and community leaders convened as U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office hosted its third Summer Manufacturing Camp Summit on Feb. 2 at Ohio University’s campus in Dublin. The OMA has been a partner in this effort to showcase manufacturing careers to young Ohioans.

Over the last eleven years, Brown’s office has launched 35 summer manufacturing camps for students in grades 4-8 across 22 Ohio counties. For information on hosting a manufacturing camp in your community this summer, visit Sen. Brown’s summer manufacturing website or connect with your regional industry sector partnership. 2/6/2024

Eight Higher Education Institutions Approved for Ohio Teacher Bootcamp Program

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced on Feb. 1 that eight institutions of higher education received approval offer for Ohio’s Teach Bootcamp Program. Between the eight institutions, the program will bring up to Ohio 655 K-12 teachers into local workplaces to learn about local employers’ talent and skills needs firsthand – and transfer these lessons to their classrooms.

Approved Institutions of Higher Education:

• Ashland University
• Lake Erie College
• Malone University
• Miami University
• Sinclair Community College
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Findlay
• Youngstown State University.

2/6/2024

Heroes MAKE Webinar, February 5

On Monday, Feb. 5, from noon to 12:30 p.m., the Manufacturing Institute will host a no-cost webinar to provide an overview of the Heroes MAKE America initiative, which aims to inform veterans, active military members, and spouses about manufacturing careers. Email the Institute with questions. 1/31/2024

BGSU Offers Smart Manufacturing Training

OMA Connections Partner Bowling Green State University is developing a micro-credential training program to help regional manufacturers advance their smart manufacturing operations. According to reports, the program aims to upskill the workforce and help build a pipeline of high school and community college students.

The new program complements BGSU’s mechanical and manufacturing engineering program, which ensures students are grounded in core principles that support Ohio’s No. 1 industry. 1/31/2024

OMA’s Untapped Talent Series

The OMA invites all Ohio manufacturers to participate in the 2024 Untapped Talent Training Series.

This series spotlights best practices in hiring and retaining those who are part of under-represented groups in manufacturing — including women, people of color, veterans, and justice-impacted individuals.

Sponsored by Ohio’s Good Jobs Challenge, the series is available at no cost to manufacturers. To participate virtually, select the training series (in the linked groups above) that best fits your company’s needs and complete the interest form. Sessions begin in March. 1/31/2024

TechCred Sets Monthly Credentialing Record

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted has announced that 398 employers were approved for funding during the November 2023 TechCred application round, providing the opportunity for Ohioans to earn 5,925 tech-focused credentials — the most of any funding round.

Under TechCred, businesses are eligible for up to $30,000 per round ($180,000 per year) to upskill employees. Manufacturers have traditionally led the way in approved TechCred applications. The next application period begins March 1. Check out these employer FAQs. 2/1/2024

Update on Intel’s Ohio Workforce Development

This week marks the second anniversary of Intel’s historic announcement that it will build leading-edge semiconductor factories in Ohio. (See the OMA’s “Intel in Ohio” page.) Axios has published this update on the company’s progress, noting chip production in Ohio will begin in 2025.

The story highlights Intel’s Ohio workforce efforts, which includes a pledge of $100 million to boost research and talent via institutions like Columbus State Community College, which just launched a new semiconductor program. 1/22/2024