Workforce

Ohio manufacturers welcomed new state workforce announcements aimed at moving Ohioans into jobs faster through employer-led, results-driven programs. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) said the initiatives reflect a clear focus on connecting people to work and supporting manufacturers’ real-time talent needs.

“These announcements are about placing people in jobs and supporting Ohio manufacturing,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. He added that WorkOhio reflects the vision and leadership of Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, building on what worked during the pandemic by establishing a statewide network of job coaches through seven regional grantees.

The selection of MAGNET, the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance and the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition underscores that employer-led partnerships deliver results. JobsOhio’s Experiential Learning Initiative reinforces the same point by expanding earn-and-learn programs that close skills gaps faster and put workers where Ohio manufacturers need them. 1/15/2026

Demand for career-technical education is rising across Ohio, strengthening the state’s manufacturing talent pipeline and reinforcing the value of hands-on, career-connected learning. Recent reporting shows enrollment in career-technical programs continuing to grow as more students seek pathways that lead directly to in-demand jobs or postsecondary credentials.

The shift reflects changing public attitudes about education and workforce preparation. A 2025 CBS News poll found that 63% of registered voters said a four-year college degree is not worth the cost because graduates often lack specific job skills and carry significant debt, up from a near-even split in 2017. Only 33% said a four-year degree is worth the cost because it improves long-term earnings.

For manufacturers, the trend aligns with long-standing workforce needs. Career-technical programs are increasingly aligned with advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, logistics and information technology. For members of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, continued employer engagement will be essential to align curriculum, expand work-based learning and connect students to modern manufacturing careers. 1/12/2026

The Ohio Department of Development’s Export Internship Program connects small- and medium-sized manufacturers seeking to expand into international markets with college students, reimbursing employers for 50% of intern wages. Participating companies must demonstrate a commitment to exports, provide managerial guidance, and ensure the intern’s workload focuses on export-related tasks.

The application portal for the 2026 program is now open through January. For more information, contact Wendi Howell, Ohio Export Internship Program Manager. 1/15/2026

Small and mid-sized manufacturers are invited to attend the CESMII Smart Manufacturing Roadshow on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mitchell Hall, Columbus State Community College (CSCC).

Hosted by CSCC, in partnership with CESMII, this immersive, full-day program brings together national and local subject-matter experts to explore how smart manufacturing technologies and strategies can drive productivity, resilience, and competitiveness. Attendees will also hear directly from manufacturers who are leading innovative smart manufacturing initiatives and achieving measurable results.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot today to learn how smart manufacturing can strengthen your operations, empower your workforce, and position your business for long-term success. 1/15/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Workforce Committee provides an inclusive forum for manufacturers and partners to surface critical workforce challenges, share best practices, and highlight services and resources that support Ohio’s manufacturing talent ecosystem.

OMA has scheduled three Workforce Committee meetings in 2026. Meetings are held as two-hour morning sessions beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an informal networking lunch provided by OMA, creating opportunities for peer connection and collaboration.

Register to stay engaged in the latest workforce updates, resources and innovations impacting Ohio manufacturers. 1/16/2026

In partnership with JobsOhio, Ohio Life Sciences and PhRMA, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is launching a new Biomanufacturing Industry layer of the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model to help define the skills needed to grow Ohio’s operator and technician talent pipeline in biomanufacturing.

Built by employers, the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model outlines the core and industry-specific skills required of manufacturing operators and technicians, ensuring education and training programs prepare graduates with industry-validated competencies. The new biomanufacturing layer will establish standardized skill expectations for careers across Ohio’s rapidly expanding biomanufacturing sector.

Manufacturers are encouraged to nominate representatives to serve on the biomanufacturing development core team. OMA is seeking hiring managers, operations leaders and technical experts who understand company skill needs. Nominated participants will be invited to a two-hour virtual kickoff meeting at 11 a.m. on Jan. 21. Submit nominees through the Biomanufacturing Competency Model participation form. 1/7/2026

Ohio’s manufacturing future depends on a workforce ready to meet the demands of evolving industries, and a new video is telling that story. The Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model, created with direct input from manufacturers and education partners, is a shared language for building tomorrow’s workforce today.

In the video, state leaders and manufacturers highlight the model’s power to align training with real-world job needs, streamline talent development and strengthen Ohio’s competitive edge.

Watch the full video and explore how the model can support your workforce goals. 12/16/2025

During a recent Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) webinar, JobsOhio unveiled a first-of-its-kind research initiative based on surveys of thousands of Ohio students, parents, and workers. The findings shed light on when and how different populations make career decisions, offering valuable insight into strengthening the state’s technician talent pipeline.

Presenters highlighted key decision points that influence career choices and emphasized the importance of data-driven messaging that reflects real opportunities in modern manufacturing. The discussion reinforced the need for early, intentional engagement and outreach strategies that resonate with both students and parents, helping employers better connect jobseekers to in-demand roles.

The webinar wrapped with an update from the OMA on 2026 initiatives aligned to the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, connecting JobsOhio’s research to future workforce strategies. Watch the webinar recording to learn more about the insights and next steps shaping Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. 12/16/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) joined leaders from JobsOhio, Tolles Career & Technical Center, Accenture and the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership for a high-energy panel at this year’s ED 411 event in Columbus. The session, titled “The Talent Imperative: Matching Skills to Market Needs,” showcased data-driven strategies for developing Ohio’s next generation of operators and technicians and highlighted the momentum behind the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint.

Hosted by One Columbus, ED 411 brought together more than 700 economic developers, business and community leaders, and elected officials — united in shaping a bold, future-focused vision for the 11-county Columbus region. 12/10/2025

The OMA and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) will launch two new microcredentials for the semiconductor industry in 2026. Co-developed with Intel, Tosoh, and Micron, the credentials target two critically demanded positions: equipment technicians and facility technicians. Together, these industry leaders identified the critical knowledge, skills and abilities in these two areas and worked with education providers to develop standards, performance measures, and knowledge checks to design the two credentials.

In the final step of the development process, industry subject matter experts, faculty and students in semiconductor-related programs will pilot the credentials for finalization and deployment to the field for the 2026-27 school year. The credentials will be available for instruction in K-12 and postsecondary programs to validate the critical skills needed in this industry sector. 12/10/2025

The Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP) was recently featured on a panel showcasing collaborative approaches to cultivating manufacturing talent in Ohio. The 2025 STEM Innovation Forum — titled “Finding Common Ground: Embracing a Shared Vision to Ensure Continued Global STEM Leadership” — was held on November 17–18 at Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus.

At the forum, which brought together more than 200 professionals from industry, education, nonprofit and government sectors to advance STEM education and career-pathway strategies, COMP Executive Director Kyle Fulton joined partners from Battelle and COSI to discuss the ​Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint and initiatives to grow manufacturing-sector career awareness and interest in the K–12 space, including the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Manufacturing Career Ambassador program. 12/3/2025

Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association-endorsed ISP, recently released a video showcasing its fifth welding cohort delivered with Terra State Community College. The story highlights the WorkAdvance model in action — combining accelerated training, strong career coaching and close collaboration with partners.

Participants receive all the materials and support needed to succeed, and the lecture-plus-lab format gives learners both hands-on practice and essential theory. The cohort achieved a major milestone with 100% certification pass rates.

Employer partner Standard Technologies also shares how the program provides a strong on-ramp for new welders and prepares graduates to excel in their careers. The video underscores how WorkAdvance continues to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing workforce through aligned training and supportive pathways. 12/3/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association recently participated in the Dayton Regional STEM School’s 11th Grade Student Roundtable Discussion. Joined by the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association, local manufacturers and community partners, the event is part of the Ohio STEM Learning Network’s (OSLN) Statewide Design Challenge that connects more than 150 teachers and 40,000 students to tackle real-world problems through hands-on, creative problem solving.

The roundtable discussion provided students the opportunity to present their early project ideas, ask questions and gain insight from the profession on how innovation, problem-solving and collaboration work in the real-world.

There is still time to volunteer in your region as the challenge runs through January 2026! With a total time commitment of one to three hours, volunteer opportunities include answering online student questions through “Industry Insights” or connecting with teachers and students (virtually or in person) as a “PowerUp Partner.” If you are interested in volunteering, learn more and sign up with OSLN. 11/19/2025

During the recent Workforce Summit, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) unveiled new Making Ohio tools designed to strengthen early manufacturing career awareness. These hands-on, team-based activities, tailored for elementary through high school students, give manufacturers and educators practical resources to use once interest in manufacturing has been sparked.

The tools introduce key concepts found on today’s shop floors. In the “Marshmallow Tower” activity, students explore teamwork, problem-solving, and design principles as they learn how materials can become stronger through thoughtful engineering. The “Blueprints and Measurements” exercise reinforces the importance of accuracy and communication when interpreting instructions, a critical skill for manufacturing environments.

These resources help students understand real-world challenges and show how creativity, precision, and collaboration play a role in modern manufacturing careers. All Making Ohio tools can be accessed online. 11/19/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) has released its 2025 Good Jobs Challenge Impact Report, highlighting how manufacturers and partners have transformed Ohio’s workforce system through the statewide expansion of the WorkAdvance model — connecting jobseekers to training, support, and quality manufacturing careers.

With more than 6,000 individuals recruited and 3,500 placed into quality jobs, OMA and its partners have already surpassed early benchmarks and are on track to exceed all grant goals by June 2026. More than 800 employers have engaged in this effort, strengthening local pipelines and fueling long-term competitiveness across Ohio’s manufacturing sector.

Read the full 2025 Good Jobs Challenge Impact Report to see how manufacturers and Industry Sector Partnerships are driving measurable, statewide impact. 11/12/2025

More than 100 photos from the 2025 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit are now available for members to view and download. The gallery captures the day’s biggest moments, from the keynote and packed breakouts to the employer and educator collaborations that drove the discussion on Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. The collection offers an easy way to revisit the energy in the room and highlight your organization’s participation.

Members are encouraged to use the images across social media, internal newsletters, presentations and workforce outreach materials. The photos provide ready-made content to showcase your commitment to addressing Ohio’s workforce needs and to amplify the value of the summit within your organization and community.

Click here to explore the full collection and see the conversations and connections that continue to power Ohio’s manufacturing workforce strategy. 11/13/2025

At this year’s Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit, the breakout session Amplifying Outreach spotlighted new ways manufacturers are connecting with the next generation of talent.

John Sherwood of JobsOhio unveiled groundbreaking market research identifying the motivators that inspire jobseekers to act — offering manufacturers new insights to craft messaging that resonates. Mark Lamoncha of Humtown shared his company’s Industrial Athlete approach, reframing manufacturing as a performance-driven career. Steve Staub of Staub Manufacturing Solutions discussed how a team-decision-making approach and hiring for attitude and potential — not just experience — have strengthened his company’s culture and retention. And Marla Akridge of TVISP introduced the “Solve for One” model, emphasizing personalized, ecosystem-based solutions to workforce engagement.

Access session resources and slides in the OhioMFG App and dive into more insights and key moments from the summit. 11/12/2025

The U.S. manufacturing sector has 409,000 unfilled jobs out of 12.7 million positions. Ben Brugler, CEO and president of Akhia, an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Connections Partner, says Gen Z could be a key solution. Nearly half of this generation is interested in manufacturing, and that rises to 62% when they understand modern, automated and connected plants. Brugler notes that Gen Z values skill development, career growth and structured workdays, not just pay. To attract them, he advises manufacturers to reshape perceptions by showing and telling the story of today’s innovative factories. This approach allows companies to tap their greatest asset and prepare for the workforce of the future. 11/10/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) unveiled a new video at its annual Workforce Summit highlighting the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, the state’s coordinated plan to fill 35,000 manufacturing jobs each year. The video showcases Ohio’s leadership in fast-growing sectors such as semiconductors, advanced automotive, aerospace, and biopharmaceuticals, while emphasizing the need to scale a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Produced through the Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership, the video outlines the blueprint’s five pillars: connecting systems, growing career awareness, broadening the talent pool, aligning education and training, and expanding earn-and-learn models.

“Ohio has the momentum, the investment and the infrastructure,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Now it’s about people, connecting talent to opportunity and keeping Ohio at the forefront of manufacturing.” 11/6/2025

Plenary and keynote sessions at the annual Workforce Summit focused on preparing industry for an evolving workforce landscape and strengthening statewide alignment. AI strategist, Todd McLees, opened with “Building AI Agility — Competing and Thriving in the New Economy,” offering practical guidance on using AI to reduce waste, accelerate decision-making, improve safety, and build organizational agility — the real advantage in an AI-driven era. His message emphasized the importance of ongoing learning and team empowerment.

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel followed with an energizing keynote underscoring Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, the unified strategy guiding collaboration among manufacturers, educators, and workforce partners to grow talent pipelines and expand opportunity. His remarks highlighted the continued need for coordinated action statewide.

The afternoon plenary, “Tackling the Technician Shortage — A Bold, Manufacturer-Led Strategy for Ohio,” showcased manufacturers directly involved in designing a scalable earn-and-learn technician model with the OMA, Accenture and the Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership to address statewide demand and strengthen workforce competitiveness.

Opt in to the Workforce Community, and stay engaged as these strategies continue to scale — and help shape the future of Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. 11/6/2025