Workforce

Ohio manufacturers are facing a growing need for skilled technicians. To meet this challenge, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), in partnership with Accenture, is developing a one-year, earn-and-learn program designed by manufacturers to prepare entry-level technicians for advanced manufacturing careers.

Built around the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model, the program is being shaped through workshops with more than 20 manufacturers —including Honda, Worthington Steel, Talan Products and GMi Companies — who are defining the core knowledge and skills needed statewide. The initiative will blend classroom learning with paid, on-the-job training, providing industry credentials that link to college credit. The project is accelerated by longstanding efforts defined by the Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership to bridge the talent gap, and aligns funding and wraparound service models to set a long-term governance and operations structure for statewide scalability.

Launching the first pilot in 2026, this collaborative effort will create a scalable, statewide solution to close Ohio’s manufacturing talent gap and strengthen its industrial competitiveness. 10/20/2025

There’s still time to secure your spot before registration closes Monday for the 2025 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit, on Thurs., Nov. 6 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. The event will bring together hundreds of manufacturers; industry sector partnerships; educators; and workforce partners for a full day of collaboration, innovation and strategy-sharing — all focused on forging the future of Ohio’s manufacturing workforce.

This year’s agenda features two powerful keynotes. Building AI Agility: Competing and Thriving in the New Economy will explore how manufacturers can move from AI awareness to action — learning to cut waste; speed decision-making; improve safety; and build organizational agility in an AI-driven world. In the afternoon, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel will deliver an inspiring address on leadership, education and workforce alignment, highlighting how Ohio’s statewide strategy is positioning the state for long-term success.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear new announcements, connect with peers, and be part of the statewide movement advancing manufacturing talent. Register today to join us in Columbus. 10/20/2025

On Thurs., Nov. 6, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit returns to Columbus with a keynote address from Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel. Known for his thoughtful leadership and lifelong commitment to education and workforce development, Tressel will offer an inspiring perspective on Ohio’s path forward. His message will both ground and energize attendees as they continue working to strengthen the state’s manufacturing talent pipeline.

Tressel’s remarks coincide with the recent release of the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, highlighting the power of statewide alignment and collaboration among manufacturers, educators, and workforce partners.

Register today to join Lt. Gov. Tressel and hundreds of manufacturing workforce peers for a day-long, packed agenda of learning and networking. 10/14/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is partnering with the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) and DriveOhio on the #STEMmovesOhio Design Challenge, a statewide initiative engaging K–12 students in solving real-world problems. This year’s challenge focuses on Ohio’s electric transportation future and the manufacturing industries that power it.

OMA is seeking manufacturers to volunteer and share their expertise with students and educators. Volunteers do not need to be technical experts in electric transportation—manufacturers from all sectors are encouraged to participate. Opportunities include answering student questions online through the Industry Insights option or connecting directly with classrooms as PowerUp Partners through virtual or in-person coaching, guest speaking or hosting site tours.

Most volunteer opportunities require just one to three hours between October 2025 and January 2026. This is a meaningful way to spark student interest in manufacturing careers and help shape Ohio’s next generation of innovators. Visit the OSLN website to learn more and sign up. 10/14/2025

The OMA, in partnership with the Ohio Association of Career-Technical Superintendents, met with Ohio Technical Centers this week to kick off a statewide effort to assess the alignment of short-term manufacturing training programs to manufacturers’ needs using the OMA Competency Model curriculum assessment tool. Ohio Technical Centers train manufacturing operators and technicians in short-term, one-year-or-less technical programs at 49 locations across the state.

This effort supports one of the key pillars of Ohio’s recently announced Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint to better align and scale education and training programs in order to optimize programming, drive completions and build stackable, seamless postsecondary pathways for adult learners. 10/8/2025

October is Manufacturing Month — the perfect time to help students explore the exciting world of modern manufacturing. Chip City Adventures is a free, interactive e-learning experience on MakingOhio that introduces students to in-demand careers in semiconductor manufacturing, energy, biopharma and electric vehicles.

This dynamic tool brings manufacturing career pathways to life in an engaging, accessible way for students and educators alike. Explore Chip City Adventures and share it during your Manufacturing Month activities. 10/8/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit 2025 is just over a month away, and the agenda is shaping up to spotlight the power of collaboration across manufacturers, educators, industry sector partnerships, and workforce leaders. Throughout the day, several announcements and updates will be shared — making the Summit the first place to hear what’s next for Ohio’s manufacturing workforce.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with Ohio’s manufacturing leaders and workforce champions as we work together to strengthen talent pipelines and forge the future workforce — register today to secure your spot.10/1/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), represented by Board member Mary Garceau of Sherwin-Williams and Jessica Borza, Managing Director of Workforce Services, recently joined JobsOhio, Sherwin-Williams, and other leaders for MAGNET’s ribbon cutting of the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) in Cleveland Metropolitan Schools (CMSD).

This initiative will bring more than 1,000 low-cost robotics kits, featuring 3D-printed components, into CMSD classrooms this fall, expanding access to hands-on STEM learning. OMA, along with its Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership, MAGNET, played a central role in aligning support from Sherwin-Williams and JobsOhio to help bring XRP to Ohio classrooms.

At a roundtable discussion, Borza outlined OMA’s strategy for scaling manufacturing education across the state. She emphasized OMA’s role in aligning K-12, career technical education, and industry pathways. She underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving innovative solutions like XRP, and how these collaborations are essential to equipping Ohio students for careers shaped by automation, AI, and robotics.

Learn more about the Experiential Robotics Platform and the impact it will have on Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. 10/1/2025

This week, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association convened its Workforce Committee to advance a unified statewide strategy for recruiting and developing manufacturing talent.

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin joined OMA leadership to announce the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, emphasizing the value of public-private partnerships and statewide alignment.

Kristi Clouse, Senior Managing Director of Talent at JobsOhio, also shared details on the new Relocation Incentive Program, aimed at helping manufacturers attract out-of-state technical and STEM talent. 9/25/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, in partnership with Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, announced the launch of Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint 2025—a unified, statewide strategy to grow and strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline.

The Blueprint outlines five strategic priorities to transform workforce systems, expand awareness, broaden talent pools and scale earn-and-learn pathways to meet the industry’s rising demand for skilled workers. With more than 35,000 new job openings projected annually, this Blueprint represents a critical call to action for industry, education and workforce partners across the state.

Learn more about the Blueprint and how it will shape the future of Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. 9/25/2025

Time is running out to take advantage of Early Bird pricing for the 2025 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit—the premier annual gathering of Ohio’s manufacturing workforce ecosystem.

Early Bird registration closes Monday, Sept. 22, marking your last chance to save on this once-a-year event. The Summit delivers powerful insight, real-time strategy, and practical resources to help manufacturers implement effective workforce solutions. Attendees will also gain valuable networking opportunities with peers and partners from across the state—all in one place, all in one day.

Register today to save $75 per registration before prices increase next week. 9/17/2025

A key workforce provision in the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act marks a major step forward in expanding career pathways for Ohioans.

The law now allows Pell Grant funding to be used for short-term credential programs — opening the door for more individuals to access affordable, skills-based training aligned with in-demand careers, including those in manufacturing.

Governor Mike DeWine applauded the provision, noting its significance in “creating more pathways for Ohioans to gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy.” The change, long supported by Ohio leaders, positions manufacturing employers to benefit from a stronger, more accessible talent pipeline.

As implementation moves forward, this expansion of Workforce Pell will be an important tool in helping more Ohioans prepare for and succeed in high-demand careers. 9/17/2025

Ohio is taking another bold step to strengthen its manufacturing workforce. In a joint memo, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) announced that the state’s revised K-12 Engineering and Manufacturing Career Field Content Standards are now directly aligned with the OMA Manufacturing Competency Model.

This alignment ensures that Ohio students are learning skills defined by manufacturers themselves—bridging classroom instruction with real-world workplace demands. As Governor Mike DeWine noted, this move signals to employers nationwide and worldwide that Ohio is ready with a skilled workforce today and for the future.

Read Ohio’s full statement to learn more. 9/10/2025

JobsOhio has released a new resource to support manufacturers and other employers in expanding their approach to workforce development.

The Underserved, Underrepresented, and Veteran Talent Resource Guide offers actionable tools and insights to help companies tap into often-overlooked talent pools. From hiring best practices to retention strategies, the guide supports engagement with underserved communities, underrepresented populations, veterans, people with disabilities and rural talent.

As manufacturers face ongoing workforce shortages, this guide can help identify untapped pipelines of skilled, motivated workers. 9/3/2025

Early bird registration is now open for the 2025 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit, set for Nov. 6 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. The Summit is the premier annual gathering of Ohio’s manufacturing workforce ecosystem, bringing together manufacturers, educators, workforce leaders, and policy partners.

This once-a-year event delivers powerful insight, real-time strategy, and practical resources to help manufacturers implement effective workforce solutions. Attendees will also gain valuable networking opportunities with peers and partners from across the state. Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing and save $75 per registration.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact Nick Miller to learn more. 8/27/2025

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has announced updates to K-12 industry-recognized credential funding, which strengthens pathways into high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, IT, and skilled trades.

Beginning this school year, schools will receive $725 per credential earned from the state’s Innovative Workforce Incentive Program (IWIP) list—a boost that directs resources to credentials with the greatest impact for students and employers.

By focusing on in-demand sectors, Ohio is ensuring students graduate with the skills to step directly into rewarding careers, while manufacturers and other employers benefit from a stronger, better-prepared talent pipeline. 8/21/2025

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and ODEW Director Stephen Dackin announced a $7.1 million investment to expand career-connected learning through the new Career Pathway Support Networks. These regional networks will bring together schools, employers, and community leaders to align education with workforce needs and expand opportunities for students.

More than 141,000 Ohio students took part in at least one career-tech course during the 2023-2024 school year, and the state aims to build on this momentum while closing enrollment gaps in underserved districts.

The OMA and Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) are well-positioned to support the initiative. ISPs connect manufacturers with local schools and lead employer engagement in their communities, ensuring manufacturers’ needs are central to shaping student career pathways. Manufacturers interested in strengthening these efforts are encouraged to connect with their local ISP to help shape the next generation of Ohio’s workforce. 8/20/2025

Manufacturers across Ohio now have access to a stronger, more predictable talent pipeline with the approval of nine new Industry-Recognized Transfer Assurance Guides (ITAGs). Guided by the OMA’s priority list—developed in partnership with manufacturers statewide—the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) is ensuring that training programs align with the skills employers need most.

The newest ITAGs address critical areas like CNC machining, robotics, Industry 4.0, and programmable controller systems. This alignment gives manufacturers confidence that future workers will arrive with proven, industry-recognized competencies—helping companies fill high-demand roles faster and with greater consistency.

By continuing to act on the OMA’s industry-driven list, ODHE is helping to close skills gaps and strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing competitiveness. Learn more about how ITAGS can benefit your company. 8/20/2025

JobsOhio has announced a new Relocation Incentive designed to help Ohio employers compete for out-of-state talent in high-demand STEM and technical fields. The program provides eligible companies in targeted industries with $15,000 for each qualifying out-of-state hire they successfully relocate to Ohio, up to $225,000 per company.

With no restrictions on fund use, employers can direct incentive funds toward signing bonuses, relocation packages, recruiting campaigns, or other strategic talent acquisition efforts. Manufacturers should visit the JobsOhio relocation website to learn more and apply online. 8/12/2025

The Manufacturing Institute (MI) has released a set of policy priorities in response to President Trump’s Executive Order 14278, which outlines the need to modernize the federal workforce system and expand employer-led apprenticeships. The priorities address the projected 3.8 million manufacturing job openings by 2033, with more than half at risk of going unfilled.

For Ohio manufacturers, these priorities highlight the importance of employer-driven training and policy adjustments designed to align talent development with industry requirements. Read MI’s full release for further information on how these priorities correspond with national workforce objectives. 8/12/2025