Workforce

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) recently hosted the Build Your Technician Talent Pathway webinar focused on how manufacturers can strengthen technician talent pathways through Technician Fast Track. Developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers, the employer-led earn-and-learn model is designed to accelerate technician talent development through structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and alignment to real job requirements.

During the session, participants heard from panelists Alex Hertzer of Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, Jackie Ruller of Youngstown State University, and Ashley Woloschak of Xaloy on how Technician Fast Track can help manufacturers address technician hiring and training challenges while accelerating talent development. Panelists shared how the employer-led model creates stronger alignment between classroom instruction and real job requirements, supports structured on-the-job learning, and helps learners build skills through coordinated pathways supported by manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships and training providers.

The conversation reinforced the importance of employer-led workforce solutions that connect training more directly to workplace needs while creating scalable approaches to technician development across Ohio.

Explore and register for upcoming OMA Workforce events to stay engaged in conversations around workforce strategies, talent development models, and resources for Ohio manufacturers. 6/25/2026

Ohio manufacturers have consistently called for an easier way to identify education and training partners aligned to workforce needs. This fall, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will launch the OMA Workforce Training Partner Program, anchored by a new statewide Workforce Training Directory that connects manufacturers with schools, career centers, technical centers, colleges, and universities preparing Ohio’s future manufacturing workforce.

The program creates a clear pathway for education and training providers to form strategic partnerships with OMA and manufacturers, increasing visibility and strengthening alignment between schools and industry workforce needs.

The Workforce Training Directory will serve as a centralized resource for manufacturers to:

– Identify regional education and training partners

– Strengthen talent pipelines

– Expand apprenticeships and work-based learning

– Connect with programs aligned to manufacturing competencies

Education and training providers interested in strengthening alignment with Ohio manufacturers are encouraged to submit the interest form to learn more about the Workforce Training Partner Program. 6/25/2026

Adam Snyder, President and COO of Talan Products and Chair of the OMA Workforce Leadership Committee, participated in a panel discussion during the JobsOhio Q2 public Board of Directors Meeting on June 17 focused on the state’s new Experiential Learning Initiative.

The discussion highlighted the alignment between the JobsOhio incentive, which provides employers up to $10,000 per employee enrolled in approved earn-and-learn pathways, and OMA’s Technician Fast Track Program, a one-year registered apprenticeship designed to accelerate the development of manufacturing technicians. Snyder shared the employer perspective on implementing earn-and-learn programs and discussed how these investments can help manufacturers build skilled talent pipelines while creating career advancement opportunities for Ohio workers.

The conversation reinforced the importance of employer-led workforce solutions, and the role manufacturers play in shaping Ohio’s future workforce. 6/17/2026

The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC), an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership, launched the first Technician Fast Track cohort on June 15 at Youngstown State University’s Excellence Training Center. As the inaugural cohort to begin training through OMA’s statewide implementation, this marks a major milestone in advancing Ohio’s employer-led technician model and demonstrates how manufacturers, education providers, and regional partners are working together to strengthen technician talent pathways.

Technician Fast Track was developed with input from more than 45 manufacturers to accelerate technician talent development and strengthen alignment between training and real workforce needs. The one-year earn-and-learn model combines structured on-the-job training with related technical instruction, creating a repeatable pathway to prepare entry-level technicians for careers in manufacturing.

The inaugural MVMC cohort includes participants from manufacturers, including Humtown Products, Starr Manufacturing, and Xaloy, and reflects the collaborative approach behind the program’s design and implementation. Delivered in partnership with Youngstown State University and additional employers, the cohort represents an important step in expanding employer-led workforce solutions that prepare individuals for long-term career growth while helping manufacturers build stronger technician talent pipelines. 6/15/2026

Battelle recently announced $968,000 in funding through its 2026 Central Ohio STEM Grants, supporting 16 nonprofit organizations that will expand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning opportunities for more than 14,000 students and 1,400 educators across the region. The investment continues Battelle’s long-standing commitment to strengthening STEM education and preparing future generations of innovators and problem-solvers.

Among this year’s recipients is the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership, an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership. Through its funded initiative, 500 high school students will solve engineering challenges in after-school workshops led by mentors and manufacturing professionals. Math, AI, and design will be integrated throughout the experience to help students build awareness of manufacturing careers and future workforce opportunities.

These investments reinforce the importance of early career engagement, giving students opportunities to explore STEM and manufacturing careers before entering the workforce. 6/18/2026

More than 500 teachers, school leaders and STEM educators gathered this week at the Greater Columbus Convention Center for the fourth annual Ohio STEM Innovation Summit, hosted by the Ohio STEM Learning Network.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) attended to highlight modern manufacturing careers and showcase the important role educators play in helping students move beyond outdated perceptions of the industry as dirty, dark and dangerous.

Dr. Ken Poland, OMA director of research and documentation, also previewed this year’s #STEMmakesOhio Statewide Design Challenge, which will ask K-12 students to reimagine how materials, components and products could be made in new, unusual or unexpected environments, from outer space and underwater to deserts and ships.

“Participating in the summit gave OMA a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the educators who are helping students think about their futures,” Poland said. “The #STEMmakesOhio challenge is a great way to show students that manufacturing is creative, technical and full of possibility, and we want manufacturers to help shape the real-world problems students are asked to solve.”

Members interested in suggesting focus areas for students to explore, or getting involved in the challenge, can contact OMA to learn more. 6/10/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) this week applauded JobsOhio’s new Experiential Learning Initiative, a $300 million, 10-year effort to expand earn-and-learn opportunities tied to in-demand careers across Ohio.

The first phase will focus on technician training, a critical need for manufacturers that rely on skilled workers to build, maintain and operate advanced equipment and production systems. JobsOhio estimates Ohio will need 540,000 STEM and technically skilled workers over the next decade, with technicians accounting for 43% of that demand.

“Ohio’s workforce challenge will not be solved by hoping more people find these careers on their own,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Manufacturers need a stronger pipeline of skilled talent, and Ohioans need clearer pathways into good careers. Experiential learning helps connect both sides of that equation.”

The initiative will support technician training efforts at Youngstown State University, with support from the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition. OMA is also developing its own one-year technician earn-and-learn program to prepare entry-level workers for advanced manufacturing careers.

The investment comes as manufacturers across the state continue to face growing demand for technicians who can keep modern production systems running. Done right, the initiative can help connect employer demand, regional training partnerships and Ohioans looking for a clear path into good manufacturing careers. 6/9/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) this week urged lawmakers to support Senate Bill 328, saying Ohio must reach students earlier with clear, consistent career guidance if the state is going to meet its long-term workforce needs.

Testifying before the House Education Committee, Lindsey Daniels, HR manager for GFS Chemicals, said manufacturers continue to face workforce shortages and need stronger alignment between schools, students and employers.

“Career decisions begin earlier than many realize, and students cannot prepare for opportunities they do not understand exist,” Daniels said. “Providing structured exposure to career pathways before high school helps increase participation in career-technical education, manufacturing pathways and other high-demand programs.”

Daniels also highlighted OMA’s Career Ambassador Program, which trains manufacturers to engage more effectively with K-12 students and educators by translating manufacturing careers into student-friendly language, connecting classroom subjects to real careers and reinforcing professional skills.

“Meaningful career exploration requires intentional engagement,” Daniels said. “Simply sending a technical expert into a classroom is not enough.”

OMA said Senate Bill 328 aligns with proven strategies already working across Ohio, while encouraging lawmakers to ensure sustainable funding, flexibility for districts and a phased implementation timeline. 6/8/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is proud to announce that its WorkAdvance model has been officially approved by ApprenticeOhio as a state-recognized Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This achievement reflects the success of OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), which have implemented and scaled the model across Ohio to meet manufacturers’ workforce needs while creating stronger pathways into manufacturing careers.

The designation validates WorkAdvance as a proven employer-led workforce strategy that prepares individuals for manufacturing careers and creates direct connections to employment and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, including OMA’s new Technician Fast Track Program. Recognized by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as a 12-point industry-recognized credential toward Ohio’s high school graduation requirements, the designation also creates additional opportunities for students to engage in manufacturing career pathways while supporting both graduation and future employment success.

This achievement reflects the commitment and collaboration of manufacturers, ISPs, education providers, and workforce partners to build a stronger manufacturing talent pipeline and expand access to high-quality career opportunities throughout Ohio. 6/10/2026

Join the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association on June 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. for the Build Your Technician Pathway webinar to hear how Ohio is approaching technician development through the Technician Fast Track Program. Built with input from more than 45 manufacturers, Technician Fast Track is designed as an employer-led model that combines structured on-the-job training, aligned technical instruction, and regional partnership coordination to accelerate technician talent development.

The webinar will feature perspectives from partners involved in the inaugural cohort, including Alex Hertzer of Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, Ashley Woloschak of Xaloy, and Jackie Ruller of Youngstown State University. Attendees will gain insights into how the model is being implemented through manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships, and training providers across Ohio, what makes the approach different from traditional training models, and how to get involved in strengthening technician talent pathways in their region.

Register for the webinar to learn how manufacturers can get involved in the Technician Fast Track Program and strengthen technician training pathways across Ohio. 6/10/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association this week told state lawmakers that Ohio must move aggressively to capture more defense and aerospace manufacturing investment as national security needs reshape supply chains and industrial strategy.

The testimony comes as a new national report shows defense manufacturers are increasingly looking to resilient regional supply chains, skilled workforce, infrastructure and research partnerships to strengthen readiness, with 98% of surveyed U.S. manufacturing executives saying they are preparing for supply chain localization or reshoring.

Testifying before the Senate Workforce Development Committee, Eric Jenkusky, founder and CEO of T.J. Clark International, urged support for House Bill 292, legislation that would create the Ohio Defense and Space Commission and help position Ohio for more defense and aerospace work.

Jenkusky said Ohio’s defense industrial base is already a major economic asset, with military and federal activities generating nearly $55 billion in total economic impact and supporting 418,000 jobs statewide. The bill would establish a statewide defense and aerospace strategy, strengthen coordination among industry, academia and the military, and create targeted support for contract development and facility improvements.

“House Bill 292 is smart, targeted public policy that would help Ohio compete for high-value defense and aerospace work while strengthening the small and mid-sized manufacturers that form the backbone of the defense industrial base,” Jenkusky said. “At a time of growing national security challenges, Ohio should be leaning into its manufacturing strength, not leaving opportunity on the table.” 6/2/2026

The Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance, an Ohio Manufacturers’ Association-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership, recently recognized Principle Business Enterprises, Inc. (PBE) as a Manufacturing Workforce Champion for its ongoing leadership and commitment to strengthening workforce development across the region. Through active engagement with manufacturers, education, and workforce partners, PBE has demonstrated what it means to invest in long-term talent development while strengthening the broader manufacturing ecosystem.

PBE’s impact extends across the full workforce journey — from supporting employee growth and supervisor development to helping students and emerging talent explore manufacturing careers through internships, tours, and career awareness efforts. Their support of regional programming and commitment to youth engagement reflects an understanding that building a stronger manufacturing workforce starts early and requires sustained partnership over time. 6/3/2026

Nine Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)-endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) will receive new state grants as part of a $5 million investment announced this week by Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik.

The state announced that 22 workforce partnerships will receive more than $5.06 million through the Industry Sector Partnership Grant Program. The grants will support regional collaborations that connect Ohioans to in-demand careers and help employers build stronger local talent pipelines.

“These grants recognize the regional partnerships that are doing the hard work of building Ohio’s manufacturing workforce,” said Jessica Borza, OMA managing director of workforce services. “Our endorsed ISPs understand their local economies, their employers and their talent needs. That is why they are so effective at connecting people to opportunity and helping manufacturers plan for growth.”

The nine OMA-endorsed partnerships receiving grants are Advanced Manufacturing Consortium; Advanced Manufacturing Industry Sector Partnership; Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership; Dayton Region Manufacturing Workforce Partnership; Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition; Raise the Bar Hancock County; Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership; Workforce Connect Manufacturing Sector Partnership; and Workforce Partnership of Putnam County. 6/3/2026

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland just published a three-part series about how in demand soft skills are for employers nationwide. The work features original Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland research; interviews with and photography of regional employers; student and educator perspectives on generational differences; and free tools and training programs to build soft skills. Too busy to read it? You can listen to it, too. Start with Chapter 1, and don’t forget Chapters 2 and 3. 6/2/2026

A major expansion of federal financial aid is set to take effect July 1, as the new Workforce Pell Grant Program opens Pell Grant eligibility to short-term workforce training programs for the first time. The change will allow eligible students to use federal aid for high-quality certificate and technical training programs that can often be completed in as little as 8 to 15 weeks.

Gov. Mike DeWine has designated the Ohio Department of Higher Education to implement and oversee Workforce Pell, with support from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. As part of the rollout, the state is required to consult with the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board and issue policy guidance before opening the application process for eligible programs.

For manufacturers, training providers, and education partners, Workforce Pell presents a significant opportunity to expand access to fast, industry-aligned credential pathways in advanced manufacturing and other in-demand sectors, while reducing financial barriers for learners – a major step toward strengthening the nation’s skilled talent pipeline. 5/27/2026

Ohio manufacturers face more than 22,000 technician openings annually, with an additional 15,000 technician jobs projected by 2037. To address this growing workforce need, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) developed the Technician Fast Track Program with input from more than 45 manufacturers as an employer-led approach to accelerate training, align learning with real job requirements, and strengthen technician talent pathways across the state.

On June 25 from 10 to 11 a.m., OMA will host the Build Your Technician Pathway webinar, featuring program partners involved in the inaugural Technician Fast Track cohort, including Alex Hertzer of Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC) and Jackie Ruller of Youngstown State University. Attendees will learn how Technician Fast Track is being implemented through manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships and training providers across Ohio, what differentiates the program from traditional approaches, and how manufacturers can get involved and strengthen technician training pathways across Ohio.

Register for the webinar to learn how manufacturers can get involved in the Technician Fast Track Program and strengthen technician training pathways across Ohio. 5/27/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association has released an updated Good Jobs Challenge Impact Report featuring refreshed statewide outcomes and new success stories that highlight the continued impact of Ohio’s employer-led workforce strategy. The report showcases how manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships, and workforce partners are strengthening pathways into manufacturing careers through coordinated workforce initiatives and the statewide expansion of the WorkAdvance model.

As of May 1, 2026, more than 900 employers across Ohio have engaged in the initiative, connecting more than 4,200 individuals to quality manufacturing careers. The report highlights the regional collaboration, industry leadership, and individual success stories behind these outcomes —demonstrating how coordinated workforce strategies are helping manufacturers meet talent needs while creating meaningful career opportunities across the state.

Explore the updated Good Jobs Challenge Impact Report to view the latest stories, outcomes, and statewide impact. 5/21/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, in partnership with CESMII, recently hosted the Start Your Smart Manufacturing Journey webinar bringing together manufacturers and industry experts to explore how Smart Manufacturing is reshaping operations, workforce strategies, and competitiveness across Ohio. The session focused on defining Smart Manufacturing in practical terms and helping manufacturers better understand how data, connectivity, AI, and emerging technologies are being applied across manufacturing environments.

Through manufacturer perspectives and real-world use cases, participants gained insight into how connected data and technologies can support operational improvements and long-term growth. Speakers also highlighted Ohio-based resources and tools available to support manufacturers at different stages of the journey, helping organizations better understand where they are today and how to begin internal conversations around Smart Manufacturing adoption.

Register for the next webinar in the series, Building Your Smart Manufacturing Roadmap, on Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. 5/20/2026

Senate Bill 328, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)-supported legislation to strengthen Ohio’s education-to-workforce alignment, passed the Senate this week and now heads to the House. The bill would create the Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative, giving policymakers and employers better insight into whether education and training programs are preparing students for in-demand careers.

“This bill is about turning workforce data into better decisions,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of energy and advocacy services. “Manufacturers need talent pipelines that start earlier, align with real employer demand and help students see clear pathways into high-value careers.”

OMA will continue working with lawmakers as the bill moves to the House to ensure the final legislation supports employer-led workforce solutions and measurable outcomes for Ohio’s economy. 5/20/2026

This week, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association convened partners from across the state to celebrate the impact and momentum of the Good Jobs Challenge initiative. The event brought together manufacturers and Industry Sector Partnership leaders to reflect on the collaborative efforts that have connected thousands of Ohioans to manufacturing career opportunities through employer-led workforce strategies.

Throughout the event, partners highlighted the strength of Ohio’s coordinated workforce system and the impact of models like WorkAdvance in expanding access to training, placement, and career advancement opportunities. The celebration also recognized the employers and regional partners whose leadership helped drive results across the state and strengthen pathways into manufacturing careers.

Explore the Good Jobs Challenge Impact Report and Celebration Video to learn more about the initiative’s statewide impact, partner collaboration, and participant success stories. 5/13/2026