Workforce Management

New Product to Help Manufacturers Upskill Trainers

The Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP) — a collaboration of the OMA and Ohio TechNet — is excited to introduce a new training product designed to help manufacturers improve their on-the-job training programs.

It’s common to hear reports of manufacturers struggling to find effective trainers to help new employees master their skills. Even the most skilled employee may not know how to teach their talents to others. To address this challenge — and boost Ohio’s overall earn-and-learn strategy — the OMWP has enlisted the help of the NIMS^® OJT Trainer Workshop to provide a structured, efficient method to upskill trainers and train coordinators who are new to their roles or have only a few years of experience.

Interested in the OJT Trainer Workshop? Email Jessica Borza to learn how your local sector partnership can participate. 9/2/2021

In-Demand Jobs Survey Closes Oct. 8

The DeWine-Husted administration is still conducting its survey of Ohio businesses to gather feedback regarding the state’s In-Demand Jobs List. The survey closes Oct. 8 and when complete will be used by policymakers who oversee the state’s workforce resources.

The survey is open to all registered Ohio businesses. Click here to participate. 8/31/2021

Training Vets for Manufacturing Jobs Using Virtual Reality

IndustryWeek reports that the Manufacturing Institute (MI) — part of the National Association of Manufacturers — has joined forces with a startup company to use virtual reality (VR) technology to train military veterans for manufacturing career opportunities.

According to the publication, the VR training will be part of the MI’s Heroes MAKE America initiative. Read more. 9/1/2021

Survey: COVID-19 Changes Gen Z’s Perception of Manufacturing

According to new research by Parsable — a San Francisco tech firm — many members of Gen Z have a more positive view of manufacturing than they did before the pandemic. More than half (57%) of 18-24-year-olds who considered a career in frontline manufacturing since the start of COVID-19 did so because they believe it’s important to the country.

But the research also shows a large segment of Gen Z continues to have the misconception that manufacturing is “low-skilled” and “does not pay very well.” Nearly 60% of respondents said they might have been interested in manufacturing if they had access to related programs while in school. See this infographic, which summarizes the survey results.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit — which will be held virtually Oct. 27 and 28 — will feature Ohio-specific survey results revealing Gen Z’s perception of manufacturing in the Buckeye State. 8/25/2021

Ohio Leads U.S. in Registered MFG Day Events

Manufacturing Day is Friday, Oct. 1. The Buckeye State currently leads the nation in MFG Day events registered on this official map created by the Manufacturing Institute.

If your company wants to host an event — either in person or virtually — to inspire the next generation of manufacturers, there’s still time to register. While MFG Day is officially Oct. 1, you can select any day that best fits your schedule. 8/26/2021

AWT Breaks Ground on Transformation Center

A new manufacturing trade school in northeast Ohio is on the road to becoming a reality as the Alliance for Working Together (AWT) — the OMA-endorsed sector partnership for Ashtabula, Geauga, and Lake counties — broke ground this week on its $3 million Transformation Center.

This story by Cleveland’s News 5 notes that the center will help small and mid-sized manufacturers “maintain the internal skills they need to operate.” It also spotlights AWT’s apprentice program. 8/25/2021

Second Chance Hiring Webinar, Sept. 8

On Sept. 8, the Manufacturing Institute will host a 2 p.m. webinar titled “Second Chance Hiring in Your Community.” The discussion aims to inform manufacturers about incorporating formerly incarcerated individuals into their talent strategy. Learn more. 8/24/2021

Host a Teacher at Your Workplace This Fall

The Ohio STEM Learning Network is still looking for manufacturers interested in hosting a K-12 teacher as part of the Manufacturing and Engineering Externship Program.

The program allows a select group of Ohio educators to complete an externship in a local STEM industry and create new lessons for the classroom. This is a short-term commitment; businesses are asked to host two local educators onsite for two days this fall. Teachers are eager to receive their placement details. Email the Ohio STEM Learning Network to become a host. 8/25/2021

Gov. DeWine Checks Out Clark State College’s Manufacturing Programs

Gov. Mike DeWine this week visited Clark State College to see firsthand the college’s enhanced manufacturing program and Sweet Manufacturing Center. More than $10 million in federal funds since 2014 has been spent to grow the college’s manufacturing curriculum — including its certification offerings — and purchase new training equipment. The college now offers a bachelor’s in manufacturing technology management.

The Dayton Daily News reported that Gov. DeWine praised the goal of more students earning certificates while participating in apprenticeships and internships. 8/25/2021

Registration Open for Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit

Amid the most critical workforce shortage in modern history, the OMA will host its fifth annual Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit on Oct. 27 and 28. You can register now. The summit will be conducted virtually over two half-days to allow for broader statewide participation. Check out this year’s schedule and speaker lineup.

This is Ohio’s most recognized gathering of manufacturers and their workforce suppliers and partners. Reserve your spot today. 8/19/2021