Workforce

The newly released Good Jobs Challenge Impact Report highlights the results of Ohio’s four-year, $23.4 million federal workforce grant, with the statewide effort exceeding every performance target set at the outset.

Over the grant period, 4,378 Ohioans landed a quality manufacturing job or increased their wages through upskilling, well above the original goal of 3,600, at an average placement wage of $22.63 an hour. Nearly 1,000 Ohio manufacturers engaged with the program, versus an initial goal of 800.

“So many people who came through WorkAdvance did not see themselves in a manufacturing job until an employer gave them a real shot,” said Jessica Borza, managing director of workforce services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association.

The grant has closed, but WorkAdvance is now a state-certified pre-apprenticeship and is still operating across the state, and the same Industry Sector Partnership network powers Technician Fast Track. 9/29/2026

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel is asking Ohio businesses to support students participating in the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge by partnering with local schools and providing incentives that reward effort and progress.

Nearly 2,200 schools across all 88 Ohio counties are taking part in the fall challenge, which runs through Dec. 4. Participating students are working toward goals tied to fitness, nutrition, sleep and other healthy habits, with schools recognizing progress along the way.

“Lt. Gov. Tressel has always understood that champions are built long before anyone sees the results. They’re built through discipline, consistency and people who believe in them,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Over 655,000 Ohio students are taking on that challenge this fall, and Ohio’s business community has a chance to show them we’re on their team.”

Businesses interested in participating can find local schools through the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge website. 9/29/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) and the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP), an OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP), recently joined Columbus State Community College for its Future Technician Learning Community (FTLC) Fall Employer & Student Mixer.

The event connected students preparing for technical careers with employers looking to build relationships with the next generation of manufacturing talent. Participating OMA member employers included Anheuser-Busch Companies, Plaskolite, Owens Corning, American Honda Motor Company, Illuminate USA, Whirlpool Corporation, Anduril Industries, and others.

FTLC students represent a range of engineering technology programs and are exploring internships, part-time roles, and full-time employment opportunities. Events like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and career pathways by giving students direct exposure to manufacturers while helping employers build early relationships with emerging technician talent. These connections are critical to strengthening future workforce pipelines and helping more students see a place for themselves in manufacturing.

Interested in connecting with Columbus State’s Future Technician Learning Community? Connect with COMP to learn more about engaging with FTLC students. 9/29/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) continued the regional rollout of the JobsOhio Technician Path this week with the Southeast Ohio Launch Academy. In the region, Ohio Valley Employment Resource serves as the lead entity for the Concierge Service Provider’s workforce board consortium, supporting regional coordination with employers around the initiative.

As OMA continues its role as Statewide Concierge Lead, the launch academies are equipping regional Concierge Service Providers and partners with shared information, resources, and service standards to support employers exploring Technician Path. In Southeast Ohio, the academy included two partner alignment sessions to ensure the full region was reached, and local partners were prepared to support employers across the region.

JobsOhio Technician Path is designed to help manufacturers invest in technician talent through eligible pathways, including technical certificates, associate degrees, and Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Through the regional Concierge Service Provider network, manufacturers can receive support navigating earn-and-learn pathways, connecting with training partners, and exploring opportunities to build or expand technician talent pipelines.

Employers interested in learning more about JobsOhio Technician Path are encouraged to connect with their regional Concierge Service Provider to explore next steps and available support. 9/30/2026

Bowling Green State University will host its Advanced Manufacturing Summit on Thursday, Oct. 22, bringing together manufacturers, students, educators and workforce partners to explore emerging technologies, workforce trends and talent strategies.

Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger will moderate a manufacturing leadership panel featuring Matt Myrand of Whirlpool and Annette Heslep of GROB Systems. The program also includes a keynote from Principle Business Enterprises President and CEO Andrew Stocking, breakout sessions, robotic demonstrations and networking.

The summit is free to attend, but advance registration is required and capacity is limited. 9/25/2026

Ohio’s unemployment rate fell to a record-low 3.3% in August, while the number of filled jobs statewide reached a new high, according to Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The numbers point to continued strength in Ohio’s labor market, but they also reinforce the workforce challenge facing manufacturers competing for talent in an already tight environment.

“A record-low unemployment rate is good news for Ohio, but it also means manufacturers have to be even more intentional about how they build their talent pipelines,” said Jessica Borza, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) managing director of workforce services. “That means reaching people earlier, expanding earn-and-learn opportunities and making it easier for Ohioans to see a path into manufacturing careers.”

OMA is working with manufacturers and regional partners across Ohio to expand technician pathways, work-based learning and other earn-and-learn models that can bring more people into manufacturing careers. 9/21/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) recently held the first regional launch academies for the JobsOhio Technician Path in northwest and west Ohio, marking an important step in OMA’s role as the statewide Concierge Lead. The launch academies are designed to equip regional Concierge Service Providers with shared information, resources, and service standards, so employers experience clear and coordinated support as they explore the initiative.

JobsOhio Technician Path is designed to help manufacturers invest in technician talent through eligible pathways, including technical certificates, associate degrees, and Registered Apprenticeship Programs. OMA is working with regional Concierge Service Providers to build a statewide framework for implementation while ensuring regional partners can apply their local expertise, employer relationships, and knowledge of available training pathways.

In northwest Ohio, the regional Concierge Service Provider is a consortium of Industry Sector Partnerships, including Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, Great Lakes Industry Sector Partnership, Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance, Raise the Bar Hancock County, and Workforce Partnership of Putnam County. In west Ohio, the regional Concierge Service Provider is the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education. Through this role, regional partners help manufacturers move from interest to action by navigating earn-and-learn pathways, connecting with training partners, and exploring opportunities to build or expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs aligned to technician workforce needs.

OMA will continue holding launch academies across JobsOhio’s regions to support consistent statewide implementation and regional readiness. Employers interested in learning more about JobsOhio Technician Path are encouraged to connect with their regional Concierge Service Provider to explore next steps. 9/23/2026

Workforce needs continue to evolve for Ohio manufacturers, from talent pipeline development to policy changes and new employer-led initiatives. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Workforce Management Community helps manufacturers stay connected to the information and conversations that can support workforce planning and engagement.

Through the community, members receive updates on upcoming engagement opportunities and Workforce Services publications, including the quarterly Workforce Briefing. With the next Workforce Briefing scheduled for Sept. 24, now is a timely opportunity to opt in and stay connected to the statewide work strengthening Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipelines. 9/15/2026

As part of Ohio’s Adult Education Week, September 14–19, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) joined JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership for a panel hosted by Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center on September 15.

The discussion highlighted the important role of adult education programs, including ASPIRE and Adult Diploma Options, in helping Ohioans build foundational skills, earn credentials, and connect to career opportunities. The OMA emphasized the opportunity to strengthen these programs’ connections to manufacturing by engaging industry early to design career pathways aligned with real workplace needs.

The panel also addressed the need to reduce barriers and reach more adults who could benefit from education and training. Stronger collaboration among education, workforce, economic development, and industry partners can create clearer pathways into manufacturing careers and opportunities for advancement.

The OMA is proud to participate in Adult Education Week and to join partners across Ohio in advancing stronger connections between adult education and the state’s manufacturing workforce. When education and industry work together, more Ohioans can see a pathway to a career — and more manufacturers can find the talent they need to grow. 9/15/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association recently hosted Working with Youth in Manufacturing, a webinar focused on helping manufacturers better understand how to safely and appropriately engage students under the age of 18 in meaningful work-based learning experiences.

The session opened with a legal and compliance overview from Kevin Shimp of Dickinson Wright, who helped ground the conversation in key considerations for manufacturers exploring youth employment and student work-based learning. From there, participants heard how education and employer partnerships are putting this work into practice, including examples from Great Oaks Career Campuses with Palmer Trucks/Kenworth and Raymond Storage Concepts, as well as Upper Valley Career Center with Airstream.

Together, the discussion highlighted the importance of clear expectations, strong communication, proper documentation, and close coordination between manufacturers and education partners. Manufacturers interested in learning more can watch the webinar recording or connect with their Industry Sector Partnership to explore youth engagement opportunities in their area. 9/10/2026

Ohio manufacturers have an opportunity to bring real-world industry experience into K-12 classrooms through the Ohio STEM Learning Network’s (OSLN) 2026–27 Statewide Design Challenge.

This year’s challenge asks students to explore how manufacturing could change or improve to make materials, parts and products in new or unexpected places and environments. Students will develop plans, systems or products aimed at making the future of manufacturing possible in those settings.

OSLN, in partnership with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and HAMMER ERC, is looking for industry experts to help students connect those ideas with how manufacturers, engineers and other professionals solve problems in the real world.

There are three ways to participate. Industry experts can answer student and teacher questions by email, work virtually with a classroom to provide feedback on projects, or judge student work during the statewide challenge in January. Participants can choose one opportunity or take part in all three.

The commitment can be as little as responding to occasional questions by email. Classroom partnerships typically require about two to three hours, while judging is completely virtual and includes training.

It is a low-lift way to give students a clearer view of manufacturing careers while helping shape the problem-solvers Ohio manufacturers will need next.

Learn more about the OSLN Design Challenge and sign up to participate. 9/3/2026

Ohio Gratings is expanding its Stark County manufacturing operations into Alliance, with regular operations beginning in early September. The expansion comes as Ohio was named CNBC’s No. 1 state for business, reinforcing the momentum manufacturers are seeing across the state and the importance of ensuring workforce strategies keep pace with business growth.

Ohio Gratings is currently hiring workers in operations and technician career pathways across its Alliance and Canton locations. The Alliance location creates additional opportunities to connect students, schools, and workforce partners on the eastern side of Stark County with pathways into promising manufacturing careers.

This expansion and recruitment reflects a broader truth: Ohio manufacturers are ready to grow and engage, and the need for workers in operations and technician pathways remains a critical workforce priority. This demand is being elevated through the JobsOhio Technician Path. This type of employer growth underscores the importance of ongoing workforce and talent-pipeline conversations that connect manufacturers with the partners, programs, and pathways needed to support expansion across Ohio. 9/2/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will host its ninth annual Workforce Summit on Wednesday, April 14, 2027, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.

Moving to the spring, the 2027 summit will continue to bring manufacturers and workforce partners together for a statewide conversation on the strategies, partnerships, and priorities shaping Ohio’s manufacturing workforce.

The summit will convene manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships, education and training providers, workforce partners, and state leaders to explore employer-led workforce solutions and opportunities to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. Additional details, including registration information and agenda highlights, will be shared in the coming months. Manufacturers and workforce partners are encouraged to save the date and plan to join OMA in Columbus. 8/28/2026

Education and training providers have until Monday, Aug. 31, to express interest in joining the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) Workforce Training Partner Program and be considered for inclusion in the inaugural OMA Workforce Training Directory launching this fall.

The directory will serve as a statewide resource to help manufacturers identify schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities aligned with manufacturing workforce needs. By joining the Program, education and training providers can increase visibility with Ohio manufacturers while helping strengthen connections between industry, education, and regional workforce partners.

High schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities interested in being part of the inaugural directory should submit the interest form by Monday’s deadline. 8/25/2026

MAGNET, an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP), has launched its Technician Fast Track cohort in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College as the related technical instruction provider. The cohort marks continued momentum for the statewide implementation of OMA’s employer-led technician talent model.

Developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers, Technician Fast Track is a one-year earn-and-learn model designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and alignment with real workforce needs. Participating manufacturers in MAGNET’s cohort include Swagelok, Lincoln Electric, Euclid Heat Treating, Poly6, Talan Products, Enprotech, and Worthington Steel.

The launch reflects how manufacturers, ISPs, and education providers are working together to create repeatable pathways for developing entry-level technicians. Through MAGNET’s coordination and Cuyahoga Community College’s instructional partnership, the cohort will help participating employers build technician talent while supporting learners as they gain skills connected directly to manufacturing career opportunities. 8/20/2026

Ohio’s TechCred program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, has released updated guidelines ahead of the next application round, opening Oct. 1, 2026.

The updated program strengthens its focus on technology-driven, industry-aligned skills, allowing employers to receive up to $1,000 per employee, per credential, to support workforce upskilling and build a more tech-ready talent pipeline. Employers select from revised, approved list of industry-recognized credentials and eligible training providers.

Read more about the updated guidelines and upcoming application round. 8/19/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) convened its Workforce Committee this week to discuss workforce programs and priorities shaping Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. OMA’s operating report included updates on key initiatives advancing across the state, including the Career Ambassador Program, Technician Fast Track, and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s recently announced Career Technical Education Access Grant, which will expand WorkAdvance into high schools across 10 schools in Ohio in partnership with their local Industry Sector Partnerships.

The meeting also continued the committee’s discussion around AI and Smart Manufacturing, with Honda and Staub Manufacturing Solutions sharing how they are approaching this work within their companies. Their perspectives provided practical insight into how peers are exploring emerging technologies, identifying use cases and considering the workforce implications of AI adoption.

The meeting featured guest presentations from JobsOhio and the Manufacturing Institute on timely workforce opportunities. JobsOhio shared more about its new Experiential Learning Incentive initiative and how it can support technician talent development efforts, while Jordan Morang with the Manufacturing Institute shared how federal workforce priorities and investments, including Registered Apprenticeships, are shaping opportunities across the industry.

“Ohio is putting more tools on the table to help employers build the skilled workforce they need, but the real value comes from making those programs practical and easy to use,” said Jessica Borza, managing director of workforce services for the OMA. “This committee gives manufacturers a place to hear what is working, learn from one another and help shape workforce solutions around the realities they face every day.” 8/12/2026

Smart Manufacturing is not just a technology challenge. It is a workforce challenge, too.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, OMA will host the final webinar in its Smart Manufacturing series, focused on the skills, training strategies and workforce planning needed to support successful technology adoption.

Conrad Leiva of CESMII and Jim Wetzel of NxGen Group will discuss how companies can prepare employees for changing roles, build internal capabilities and work with outside experts and education partners as operations become more connected and automated.

The webinar runs from 11 a.m. to noon and is offered at no cost to OMA members and partners. Register now to make sure your workforce is ready for what comes next. 8/14/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) invites high schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities to join the new OMA Workforce Training Partner Program and be included in the inaugural OMA Workforce Training Directory.

The directory will help manufacturers identify regional education and training partners, strengthen talent pipelines, expand apprenticeships and work-based learning, and connect with programs aligned to manufacturing workforce needs.

Schools that join the Workforce Training Partner Program by August 31, 2026, are eligible for inclusion in the inaugural Workforce Training Directory, increasing visibility across Ohio and strengthening connections with manufacturers.

Submit your interest form to be part of this first statewide resource connecting manufacturers with Ohio’s workforce training partners. 8/7/2026

Jessica Borza, managing director of workforce services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, attended her first meeting Wednesday as a new member of the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board at Tolles Career and Technical Center.

Kyle Fulton of the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership also presented on WorkAdvance and Technician Fast Track, showing how employer-led programs can move people into in-demand manufacturing careers and help companies build the skilled workforce they need.

“Jessica understands that workforce programs only work when employers are at the table,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of advocacy and energy services. “She will make sure manufacturers have a strong voice as Ohio works to connect more people with the skills and opportunities our industry needs.” 8/5/2026