Workforce Management

Apply Now for Reimbursement to Hire Tech Interns

Ohio’s Diversity and Inclusion Technology Internship Program can connect employers with talent to fill their tech needs — from creating mobile apps, building websites, developing social media platforms, implementing new software, conducting market research, and enhancing cybersecurity.

Under the program, companies can hire up to four interns and be reimbursed up to $30,000. Businesses may apply now through Sept. 14 for internships running from Nov. 1 to April 23. For more, click here. 8/25/2022

Marion-area Leaders Showcase Manufacturing Careers

To meet the growing demand for manufacturing workers, Marion Technical College, The Ohio State University at Marion, and Ashland University recently hosted 25 teachers and school counselors at their “Teacher Manufacturing Boot Camp.”

As reported by the Marion Star (subscription), the five-day program gave teachers real-life insight into modern manufacturing so educators can help students visualize a career in the industry. On Oct. 18, Marion leaders will host a “Made in Marion Expo” to introduce younger students to manufacturing. 8/25/2022

Manufacturing Offers Debt-Free Careers

As outlined by OMA Connections Partner Schneider Downs, President Joe Biden recently announced controversial measures providing student loan debt relief to many Americans. (The plan will likely make inflation worse by increasing the federal deficit by more than $350 billion, according to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, and could face legal challenges.)

Regardless of where you stand on the administration’s actions, young people need to know that manufacturing careers can help them avoid debt in the first place, offering salaries far above the average. Read this insight from Manufacturing Institute President Carolyn Lee. 8/25/2022

Mike Rowe on Why Some Workers Are ‘Quietly Quitting’

During a recent radio interview, reality TV actor Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” fame discussed the change in work ethic as more workers say they are “quietly quitting” their jobs — that is, disengaging and doing the bare minimum.

Rowe said too many individuals have associated work with drudgery — instead of purpose — and made work “the proximate cause of our collective unhappiness.” He urges workers to reflect if they have made work the enemy. 8/24/2022

U.S. Department of Commerce Official Meets With OMA Staff, Workforce Partners

On Aug. 18, U.S. Economic Development Administration Deputy Assistant Secretary Dennis Alvord visited Cleveland and OMA member Lincoln Electric to meet with OMA staff and several of the association’s workforce partners. The meeting focused on the recent “Good Jobs Challenge” grant awarded to the OMA and State of Ohio, announced earlier this month.

Alvord applauded the OMA’s work to establish a statewide network of industry sector partnerships (ISPs). He said his agency was particularly interested in learning more about OMA’s plan to increase the number of women, people of color, returning citizens and veterans within the manufacturing workforce.

When the Good Jobs Challenge grant launches this fall, the OMA and ISP network will engage community organizations and subject-matter experts to coordinate extensive outreach into underserved communities. Stay tuned. 8/18/2022

A Look at JobsOhio’s Workforce Grant for Employers

JobsOhio, the state’s lead economic development agency, offers employers a workforce grant to provide funding for employee development and training. OMA members should note this program focuses on projects tied to JobsOhio’s targeted industries, including manufacturing. Learn more by contacting JobsOhio staff. 8/17/2022

Ohio State to Lead New Manufacturing Research Center

The Ohio State University will lead a new manufacturing research center that could be one of the institution’s largest research investments in the last decade. With resources from the National Science Foundation, the center will design new ways of manufacturing metallics and other components in a less costly, more sustainable way while enhancing Ohio’s workforce and local supply chains.

This short video provides insight into the work that will be conducted at Ohio State, as well as Case Western Reserve University and other partnering institutions. 8/15/2022

Study Examines Trends in Teens’ Social Media Use

MFG Day and MFG Month are right around the corner. To promote these events and inspire the next generation, many Ohio manufacturers will utilize social media.

According to a new study by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teens ages 13-17 are watching videos or listening to music on YouTube. Other popular social media sites for this age group are TikTok (67%), Instagram (62%) and Snapchat (59%). Just 32% of teens use Facebook and only 23% use Twitter.

The study found that teen girls were more likely to be on TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, while teen boys preferred YouTube, Reddit and Twitch. 8/18/2022

What’s Next for OMA’s ‘Good Jobs’ Grant?

News continues to spread regarding the $23.5 million “Good Jobs Challenge” grant recently awarded to the OMA and State of Ohio. These funds will primarily be used to help local industry sector partnerships continue their work to implement manufacturing workforce solutions. But a lot of work needs to take place before those funds are dispersed.

OMA Workforce Services will spend the next 60 to 90 days largely focused on grant-related administrative work — establishing vital policies and procedures.

When details are available on how OMA members can get involved with local efforts, information will be shared via the Leadership Briefing, webinars, and direct mailings. In the meantime, OMA Workforce Services staff members will provide regular updates on their progress via those same channels. 8/10/2022

Manufacturing Institute Workforce Summit Offers Early Bird Pricing Until Labor Day

Don’t miss your chance to register for The Manufacturing Institute’s premiere workforce event on Oct. 18-20 in Cincinnati at the discounted rate.

The MI Workforce Summit features two full days of solutions-oriented workshops, networking and collaboration opportunities, insights from real-life case studies, and more. New workshops have just been added.

OMA Managing Director of Workforce Services Sara Tracey said, “This is the one manufacturers’ workforce event you’ll want to explore this year. All the trending experts and solutions will be accessible in this focused format.” The OMA’s workforce summit will return in 2023. 8/8/2022