Workforce Management

Automation, Robotics Training in Central Ohio

The Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP), an OMA-endorsed sector partnership, recently selected the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County’s (C-TEC) Adult Education Center to lead central Ohio in developing an entry-level automation and robotics adult training program. This work is funded by the state Industry Sector Partnership grant, which was awarded to COMP in 2020. Read more. 7/29/2021

Editorial: Collaboration Can Fix Manufacturing Talent Shortage

Radical collaboration among manufacturers, state and local governments, academia, community leaders, non-profits, students, and workers is the key to addressing manufacturing’s talent shortage. That’s the message of a recent IndustryWeek article by Ethan Karp — president and CEO of OMA Connections Partner MAGNET — and Jessica Borza — executive director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, an OMA-endorsed sector partnership.

Specifically, the duo mentions the need to attract diverse talent, provide innovative training, and celebrate manufacturing careers. 7/26/2021

Appalachian Partnership Launches Additive Manufacturing Training Program

The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition — an OMA-endorsed sector partnership — recently teamed up with with Marietta City Schools and America Makes to launch the Ohio Secondary Education Additive Manufacturing Training Network. According to The Marietta Times, the network will provide formal education and training of additive manufacturing technologies to high school students and educators.

As the OMA previously reported, Marietta City Schools is among the initial 10 Ohio high schools participating in the network. 7/27/2021

Report: Innovative Manufacturers Utilizing Coaching for Leadership Training

According to this insight from OMA Connections Partner Clark Schaefer Hackett, the most innovative manufacturing companies are integrating a coaching model into their leadership training. Under a coaching model, classroom training is supplemented with personalized coaching to ensure new ideas and skills are applied to real-world, work-related situations. 7/26/2021

New Round of TechCred Begins Aug. 1

Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced this week that Ohio businesses looking to upskill their workforce can begin applying for the tenth round of TechCred beginning Aug. 1. The application period will close on Aug. 31.

Since the program started, 1,310 Ohio employers have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 23,723 tech-focused credentials by employees. At last check, manufacturers — including several smaller manufacturers — accounted for more than half of all approved applications. The OMA has published this guidance to help members learn more about TechCred and how to apply. 7/21/2021

Ohio Department of Education to Review Approved Credentials

For the first time since 2014, the Ohio Department of Education is planning a comprehensive review of its list of industry-recognized credentials. Industry representatives are invited to join the review committee. Manufacturers interested in this opportunity to ensure that competencies and credentials important to their hiring needs are reflected in K-12 programs can sign up here. 7/22/2021

Seven Tips to Help Win the War for Talent

Because recruiting talent is the top challenge for most manufacturers, OMA Connections Partner Paycor has produced this whitepaper to provide seven keys to help your business hire available talent before your competition. (See the orange box in the right corner of the page.) 7/20/2021

How Manufacturers Can Retain Employees

The Manufacturing Institute (MI) — the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers — has published new research examining how manufacturing leaders can keep great employees on staff.

The MI’s study, conducted in partnership with the American Psychological Association, found the main reasons employees remain at a company are enjoyment of the work (83%) and stability/job security (79%).

Other contributors to satisfaction include the family friendliness of the employer and the way the job fits into employees’ lifestyles outside of work. Training and career opportunities are a driving factor for young employees. 7/21/2021

Your Input Wanted: Multigenerational Teams and Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Institute is working on a new research study on multigenerational teams, demographic changes in the workplace, and recruiting and maintaining adequate workforces. The Institute requests your business’ input for this brief survey. Responses are strictly confidential and individual responses will not be reported in any way. 7/22/2021

Survey: Skilled Labor Shortage Threatens Manufacturing’s Recovery

IndustryWeek reports that a recent survey of more than 300 hiring decision-makers finds manufacturers nationwide are struggling with attendance issues, as well as recruiting.

Kylene Zenk, director of the Manufacturing Practice at UKG — which produced the study — says that between January and March 2021, 68% of manufacturers let employees go due to poor attendance. At the same time, 54% of manufacturers said negative industry perceptions are impacting their ability to recruit Millennial and Gen Z talent.

To fill the talent void, 62% of manufacturers have hired or considered hiring people with disabilities or special needs. Another 56% are targeting retirees, while 52% are considering previously incarcerated or “second-chance” workers as potential employees. 7/15/2021