Workforce Management

OMA’s Workforce Summit Is Almost Here

Boost your manufacturing workforce strategy by attending The Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit on Nov. 8 in Westerville. This one-day event includes full-day access, an information-packed lineup, and meals. Learn more and register! 10/6/2023

At a Glance: Ohio MFG’s Post-Secondary Pipeline

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute — an education policy think tank — has published this examination of Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline from post-secondary education.

The institute notes that more than 30,000 students were enrolled in manufacturing-related postsecondary programs in Ohio. Roughly 1,600 were enrolled in technical colleges, 13,500 in associate degree programs at two- and four-year institutions, and 13,800 in bachelor’s degree programs. 10/3/2023

Statewide EV Workforce Steering Committee Launches

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and the OMA this week officially launched the Ohio Electric Vehicle Workforce Sector Partnership steering committee. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, along with OMA President Ryan Augsburger and Managing Director of Workforce Services Sara Tracey, presented to the group.

With a focus on boosting technology skills statewide, the effort aims to benefit all manufacturers, regardless of sector, as detailed in this EV workforce strategy.

Members who wish to help shape the future of Ohio’s workforce needs are encouraged to participate in the OMA’s workforce summit on Nov. 8. 10/4/2023

October Is Manufacturing Month in Ohio!

October is Manufacturing Month in Ohio. And MFG Day (Friday, Oct. 6) is just a week away. As members plan their activities to build excitement about manufacturing careers, here are some important updates:

• Gov. Mike DeWine has proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month throughout Ohio. Read the proclamation.
• This national map shows every MFG Day/Month event registered with the Manufacturing Institute, including more than 40 events across Ohio. (There’s still time to register your event.)
• Manufacturers (and their supporters) planning a MFG Day/Month event should check out these resources for last-minute ideas.
• The OMA’s Making Ohio website offers resources to inspire students and career switchers to consider manufacturing pathways.
• The OMA has published this updated infographic highlighting the strength of Ohio’s manufacturing sector, as well as this list of 10 reasons to choose a career in Ohio manufacturing.

Follow the OMA’s LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook pages, which will post MFG Month messages throughout October. 9/29/2023

ApprenticeOhio Provides Support for 698 Apprentices

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced it has provided $1.6 million to 75 employers and sponsors through ApprenticeOhio, helping nearly 700 Ohioans receive skilled training.

Ohio is No. 3 in the U.S. and first in the Midwest for apprentices, with more than 20,000 enrolled.

As a reminder, the OMA has funding available to help manufacturers offset the cost of registered and non-registered apprenticeships. Learn more. 9/26/2023

Hydraulics, Pneumatics Added to Credentials List

Industry-Recognized Credential Transfer Assurance Guides (ITAGs) are part of an Ohio initiative to ensure students can earn college credit for their industry-recognized certifications and time in the workforce.

According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, hydraulics and pneumatics have been added to the ITAGs list. This will help with employee advancement and retention, while reducing the cost of a degree. Learn more here or email Nikki Wearly with the Department of Higher Education. 9/29/2023

Preparing Tomorrow’s Manufacturers: Ohio’s MEP Internship

The Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) internship program provides a useful workforce tool. The program pairs high school and trade school students with manufacturers, and reimburses 50% (up to $1,500) of a student intern’s wages.

In previous years, an estimated 80% of MEP interns were offered full-time employment by the end of the internship. For more, contact your regional Ohio MEP partner or email the Department of Development. 9/19/2023

Ohio’s Public Schools Report Card

In case you missed it, the annual report card grading the state’s 600-plus public school districts was recently released by state officials. The cards feature a five-star rating system, with three stars and above needed to meet state standards. Search here for your school district. 9/18/2023

Help Shape Ohio’s High School Credentials List

Ohio high schools and career technical centers are actively working to provide students with industry-recognized credentials. The state’s approved high school graduation credentials list ensures students earn credentials valued by employers, including manufacturers.

OMA members are invited to take part in the Ohio Department of Education’s survey to collect employer feedback on the credentials list. Click here to take the survey. If you have questions regarding the survey or review process, email the agency. 9/20/2023

Updates on OMA Workforce Development Efforts

During a recent meeting held at the headquarters of OMA Connections Partner MAGNET, OMA staff members presented a statewide progress report on Ohio’s Good Jobs Challenge grant, awarded last summer.

Highlights from the review included details about the launch of WorkAdvance campaigns in regions covered by OMA-endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships. Also discussed was the OMA’s Untapped Talent Learning Community, which will be detailed at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit, set for Nov. 8. (Register here if you haven’t already.)

OMA members are invited to participate in an Oct. 19 briefing to learn more about the Untapped Talent Learning Community. 9/14/2023