Workforce Management

NAM: Mentorships Help Women Advance

The National Association of Manufacturers has published this short article on the value of mentorships for women in manufacturing. The article spotlights the experiences of an employee at Ohio-based JBM Packaging.

The Women MAKE Mentorship Program, a no-cost initiative run by the Manufacturing Institute (the NAM’s workforce development and education affiliate), aims to strengthen women’s careers in the industry by connecting them with peer advisers. 1/11/2024

New TechCred Application Underway

The latest application round for Ohio’s TechCred is underway and remains open until 3 p.m. on Jan. 31. Over the past several years, the OMA has advocated for adequate funding for this important workforce training reimbursement program.

Under TechCred, businesses of all sizes are eligible for up to $30,000 per round ($180,000 a year) to upskill employees. Participating employers must partner with a credential provider. (See these FAQs.) Training for the January application may start on or after Dec. 1, 2023 and must be completed within 12 months from the award date.

At last check, manufacturers have accounted for roughly half of all approved applications. Learn more and apply. Or use this email for company-specific questions. 1/2/2024

Tech Internship Opens for Students, Employers

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted has announced Ohio’s High School Tech Internship program is open for students. The program aims to provide businesses with tech talent while providing students valuable experience.

Employers hosting interns will be reimbursed up to 100% of the wages paid (up to $5,000 per intern). Employers are also eligible to earn bonuses for each student who earns certain industry-recognized credentials. Learn more and apply by contacting the intermediary in your region, which can be found by scrolling down this page. 1/4/2024

Ohio Population Trend Rebounds

Population trends have returned to pre-pandemic norms, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Midwest’s population rebounded in 2023 due to a lower rate of outmigration and increased international migration.

Ohio is one of 11 states that lost population in 2022 but experienced gains in 2023, with 26,238 more residents. However, with 11,785,935 residents in July 2023, Ohio still trailed its April 2020 population estimate of 11,799,331. 12/27/2023

OMA Webinar: Untapped Talent, Part 2

On Jan. 25, the OMA will host part two of its introduction to the Untapped Talent Learning Community, which supports manufacturers interested in hiring and retention best practices. In this webinar, the OMA Good Jobs Challenge team will spotlight the learning community’s 2024 events. Learn more and register.

If you missed part one of the series, members can watch this on-demand webinar. 12/28/2023

Higher Ed Institutions Get $40M for Workforce Training Equipment

The DeWine administration recently announced that 81 institutions of higher education have received $40 million in Super RAPIDS grants. The awards pay for training equipment to boost regional workforce development. See the list of grantees.

“To continue Ohio’s economic momentum, our students must be trained and ready for jobs in technology, advanced manufacturing, and other high-skill industries,” Husted said.

Earlier this year, the OMA advocated to secure the Super RAPIDS grant funding in the biennial budget (House Bill 33). 12/19/2023