Workforce Management

Another Reason to Attend Oct. 29 Workforce Summit: Regional Networking

As though you needed another reason to attend the OMA’s Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit — set for Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus — this year’s agenda includes the Partnership Networking Hour. Participants will be able to network with industry sector partnership representatives from their region in an informal setting.

Other summit highlights will include briefings on Ohio’s plan to grow the use of manufacturing apprenticeships, as well as multiple breakout sessions in which subject-matter experts will address workforce issues and provide guidance. Register today to guarantee your seat. 9/26/2019

Ohio Unemployment Rate Inches Up to 4.1%

Federal data show that Ohio’s unemployment rate rose slightly in August to 4.1% from July’s 4.0% — the first increase since January. The number of Ohioans working in August was actually up 3,700 from the previous month, but the unemployment rate rose due to more people seeking a job.

Ohio’s goods-producing industries, with 932,300 jobs, dropped 1,400 jobs from July with losses in manufacturing (-1,200) and construction (-200). Still, more than 703,000 Ohioans were employed in manufacturing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 9/23/2019

One Week Before MFG Day, Ohio Leads with 194 Events

Manufacturing Day 2019 is next Friday, Oct. 4. The Buckeye State leads the nation with an impressive 194 MFG Day events, although Michigan and California are nipping at Ohio’s heels. If your company wants to host an event to inspire the next generation of manufacturers, there’s still time to register. Keep in mind that while MFG Day is officially Oct. 4, you can select any day that best fits your schedule.

We’d love to have images from your MFG Day event to share on OMA’s social media — so send us your pics, as well as a brief description. 9/26/2019

Senate Begins Consideration of Workforce Bill

The Ohio Senate Finance Committee this week heard sponsor testimony of House-approved legislation (House Bill 2) to expand the use of industry-recognized credentials. Introduced by Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton) and Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), HB 2 passed the House 92-3 last spring. In short, the bill is the implementation language for key workforce provisions included in the state’s two-year operating budget (House Bill 166).

Under HB 2, the state would invest $15 million per fiscal year to create a TechCred program to reimburse eligible Ohio employers for training costs for current and prospective employees who want to earn micro-credentials. It would also provide $2.5 million a year to support industry sector partnerships — a key priority of the OMA. 9/18/2019

Guidance for Ohio’s New Manufacturing Mentorship Program

Due to the overwhelming interest in the new Ohio Manufacturing Mentorship Program — which was included in the final version of the state budget this year — the OMA has put together this short guidance document with OMA legal counsel Bricker & Eckler LLP.

While the new program won’t become effective until at least October, the Ohio Department of Commerce has begun to work on the rules to implement it. Under the new law, 16- and 17-year-old students will be allowed to work part-time in a manufacturing facility under the guidance of a mentor — giving students the opportunity to gain exposure to manufacturing careers while still in high school. The OMA led the charge on getting this provision into law.

If you would like to help provide guidance to the Ohio Department of Commerce as they work on the implementation rules, please contact the OMA’s Rob Brundrett. 9/19/2019

Register for OMA’s Workforce Summit; Get a Cool T-Shirt

It’s time to register for the OMA’s Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit. The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus. This year’s summit agenda will provide an opportunity to learn about recent efforts to grow Ohio’s manufacturing talent through the use of earn-and-learn models, industry-led partnerships, and other innovative strategies.

Attendees will hear from state officials and workforce experts, while gaining insight to help them expand and enhance their local labor force. The first 500 who register will get a free “Making Ohio” T-shirt. If your business is interested in sponsoring a full table (with eight seats for your guests), please contact OMA staff. 9/16/2019

Reminder: Take Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Survey

Want to see more attention given to manufacturing’s workforce shortage? Make your voice heard via the In-Demand Jobs Survey for employers.

Gov. Mike DeWine has called the survey “one of the most important tools the state uses to direct its workforce development efforts.” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who oversees the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, has noted there are currently more than 200 in-demand occupations in Ohio — and 148,000 openings within those fields.

To ensure that policymakers are fully aware of the need for more skilled talent, take part in the In-Demand Jobs Survey. 9/16/19

A Plan to Boost Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce

In a guest column published this week by Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, OMA President Eric Burkland and MAGNET President and CEO Ethan Karp described their comprehensive plan for boosting manufacturing employment, training, and apprenticeships in Ohio.

Key pillars of the plan include growing Ohio’s regional sector partnerships; boosting earning-while-learning opportunities; introducing more K-12 students to manufacturing; and expanding use of industry-recognized credentials. These strategies will be covered in depth at the OMA’s Oct. 29 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit in Columbus.

If you have questions about the OMA’s scaling apprenticeship efforts in coordination with OhioTechNet and Ohio’s numerous regional sector partnerships, e-mail the OMA workforce team. 9/11/2019

Additions to Ohio’s Industry-Recognized Credentials

The Ohio Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation have announced additions to Ohio’s Industry-Recognized Credentials List. An industry-recognized credential is third-party verification of an individual’s qualifications or competence in specific skill sets.

In manufacturing, the following credentials have been added:

• National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS): Basic Hydraulic Systems, Basic Mechanical Systems, Basic Pneumatic Systems.
• Fuji Automatic Numerical Control (FANUC) Certified Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Center Programming, Setup, and Operation.
• FANUC Certified CNC Turning Center Programming, Setup, and Operation.
• NIMS: Electrical Systems, Electronic Control Systems, and Process Control Systems.
• NIMS: Maintenance Operations, Maintenance Piping, Maintenance Welding.
• IPC Association Connecting Electronics.
• American Welding Society Welder Qualification.

An updated FY2020 Industry Recognized Credentials list is expected to be posted soon. 9/9/2019

Ohio Leads Nation with More Than 150 MFG Day Events

When it comes to Manufacturing Day, Ohio means business. At last check, the Buckeye State led the nation with an impressive 151 MFG Day events.

The OMA encourages manufacturers to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Then promote your event! There’s still time to register your company as a host. While MFG Day is officially Oct. 4, you can schedule an event on any day that best fits your schedule. 9/12/2019