Workforce

The Q2 edition of the OMA Workforce Briefing is now available, highlighting the OMA’s workforce service priorities through stories and impacts from manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), and workforce development partners to help strengthen alignment and workforce strategies across Ohio’s manufacturing workforce community.

Share this resource with your organization and peers. To receive future quarterly editions, opt in to the OMA Workforce Community. 6/19/2025

The OMA, this week, convened its Statewide Alignment Committee to address the statewide workforce initiatives and challenges in the manufacturing sector. The committee includes key leaders from industry and state agencies, including K-12, career-tech, higher education, and workforce and economic development organizations.

This committee provides a platform for unified approaches to manufacturing workforce priorities, updates on advocacy and resources, and the coordination of statewide efforts. By collaboratively leading shared strategic initiatives, the committee strengthens Ohio manufacturers’ competitiveness in addressing workforce needs. 6/18/2025

Emily DeRocco was a champion of American manufacturing, serving in leadership roles at both the U.S. Department of Labor and the Manufacturing Institute at the National Association of Manufacturers.

In memory of Emily, a group of individuals whose lives were deeply impacted by her created the DeRocco Fellows, an initiative to support undergraduate women in careers in manufacturing. DeRocco Fellows is now launching its first cohort of extraordinary young women! Learn more about the DeRocco Fellowship and how you can get involved. 6/18/2025

Planning season for October’s Manufacturing Month is upon us. For manufacturers looking to make an impact this fall, the MakingOhio Manufacturing Month Planning Guide is a ready-to-use resource to help you get started.

Available year-round, the guide walks you through key steps for planning meaningful outreach events – whether it’s a plant tour, classroom visit, or hands-on demo – offering practical tips based on your audience.

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out the MFG Day Host Toolkit, curated by the Manufacturing Institute, for templates, promotional materials, and easy-to-follow ideas to elevate your event. It’s also recommended to register your events on the site to help document our collective impact. 6/11/2025

This week, Envoy launched the Fair Chance Navigator, a self-guided tool designed to help employers build or strengthen fair chance hiring strategies.

Developed after nearly a decade of consulting with more than 50 major employers and industry groups, the Navigator offers step-by-step guidance, video insights from peer companies, and customizable tools to support implementation.

Annual subscriptions cost $995, but employers who register before June 30 receive $250 off their first year. Employers interested in subscribing to the Navigator can request access online or by email to learn more. 6/11/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association joined JobsOhio at the Ohio STEM 2025 Innovation Summit this week. This event, in its third year, recognizes and celebrates nearly 500 STEM educators, leaders, and partners who exemplify STEM practices that inspire students and grow Ohio’s future. OMA and JO representatives were on hand to discuss the MakingOhio Toolkit that includes activities and resources developed by manufacturers and partners for youth outreach.

The OMA also aimed to connect K–12 teachers to manufacturing career pathway resources through their local Industry Sector Partnerships, which coordinate workforce development efforts between industry, educators, and workforce partners to grow the high-demand operator and technician pipelines. 6/3/25

This fall, the Workforce Partnership of Putnam County (WPPC), an OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnership (ISP), is launching a new initiative to introduce high school students to careers in manufacturing. Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, WorkAdvance will be offered as a one-credit elective across all nine Putnam County public high schools, at no cost to students or schools. The program, funded by the Good Jobs Challenge grant, includes online soft skills training, technical instruction and lab sessions, 12 months of career coaching, and industry engagement opportunities.

After graduating two successful WorkAdvance cohorts, with all participants securing employment, WPPC faced ongoing recruitment challenges, which prompted them to collaborate with the Putnam County Educational Service Center and local guidance counselors. Inspired by the offering of elective-based agricultural certifications in schools, WPPC is adapting WorkAdvance to the classroom setting, making it more accessible and appealing to students.

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration between industry and education that keeps our region competitive, and it came simply by asking the experts (the counselors) how WorkAdvance training could be more appealing to students,” said WPPC director Karl Schimmoeller. “We’re not just building awareness—we’re building the next generation of our workforce.”

The elective offers pre-apprenticeship credit, CMfgA certification, and spring semester work-release opportunities to help students build job-ready skills and explore local manufacturing careers. With the support of the WPPC board, made up of seven manufacturers, two superintendents, and a career tech director, this initiative aims to build a reliable talent pipeline that strengthens the region’s future workforce. 5/28/25

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel announced a record-breaking month for Ohio’s TechCred program, with 651 employers awarded in the March TechCred application period. These awards will provide an opportunity for Ohioans to earn 8,830 tech-focused credentials, setting new benchmarks for both participation and credential attainment.

Manufacturing leads among the top industries funded, alongside educational services and construction. The data underscores the program’s broad utility across sectors, and its growing role in upskilling employees for Ohio’s evolving, tech-infused economy.

Businesses of all sizes are eligible to receive up to $30,000 per round and up to $180,000 per year to train current and prospective employees. The May application period closes on May 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Employers and training providers can learn more and apply at TechCred.Ohio.gov. 5/15/2025

As part of a statewide listening-and-learning tour, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited Lorain County Community College (LCCC) on Monday to discuss regional workforce challenges and strengths with local leaders.

The roundtable featured LCCC partners, including district superintendents, education administrators, the college’s board of trustees, organizations, businesses and Midview High School students, who provided input for the Ohio Workforce Playbook – a roadmap to help strengthen the talent pipeline for Ohioans, ensuring they are more prepared for high-demand careers.

During his tour, Tressel emphasized the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs to ensure a skilled workforce for Ohio’s growing economy. He highlighted LCCC’s efforts in developing programs that equip students with relevant skills, particularly in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.

Tressel’s visit underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a workforce prepared to meet the evolving demands of Ohio’s industries. 5/19/2025

Manufacturers from across Ohio convened for the first Workforce Committee meeting, kicking off a coordinated effort to tackle the state’s most pressing talent challenges. Lt. Governor Jim Tressel joined to outline Ohio’s strategic vision for workforce development and the critical role manufacturers play in shaping it.

Jessica Voltolini, Chief of Staff with Ohio Education and Workforce (ODEW) office, shared efforts to better align education and workforce initiatives – ensuring students are prepared for in-demand roles in manufacturing and beyond.

The committee also explored 2025 workforce priorities informed by insights from manufacturers and OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), and received a timely update on workforce-related proposals in the state budget, key advocacy efforts, and the legislative timeline ahead.

Don’t miss the next Workforce Committee meeting on Thursday, September 25 – register today to stay engaged and help drive Ohio’s manufacturing talent strategy forward. 5/15/2025

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey announced last week that more high school students will now be able to take College Credit Plus (CCP) classes and earn free college credit to pursue careers in critical industries.

ODHE recently implemented the Statewide Innovative Waiver that eliminates barriers that had prevented some students’ participation in the CCP program. The waiver is designed to provide more students with pathways to earn an industry-recognized credential or certificate tied to high-demand career fields including advanced manufacturing.

The OMA lauded the expansion in a statement, highlighting that the expansion is critical for manufacturers.

“This expands Ohio’s talent pipelines for strategically important industries including manufacturing,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Manufacturers across Ohio stand ready to welcome additional graduates of manufacturing tech programs to the workforce.” 5/15/2025

In keynote remarks during an In-Demand Jobs Week event at Youngstown State University, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel delivered a charge that Ohio manufacturers will recognize as both timely and tactical.

Tressel urged attendees to not only create workforce exposure opportunities for students but to measure outcomes, make connections, and bring talent into Ohio’s manufacturing pipeline.

He praised initiatives that introduce students as young as elementary school to advanced manufacturing, emphasizing how youth exposure leads to awareness, interest, and potential entry into industry pathways. He credited workforce leaders like the OMA’s Jessica Borza for laying the groundwork for talent development.

“We’ve got a lot of things in place,” Tressel said. “Now, we’ve got to close the deal to get them involved in the business and industry that we need right here in this region.” 5/6/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is honored to welcome Lt. Governor Jim Tressel as a special guest at its upcoming Workforce Committee meeting on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OMA offices. A Zoom option is available for remote participants.

As Ohio’s leading voice on workforce development, Lt. Governor Tressel will share the state’s vision and strategy for building a talent-ready workforce while hearing directly from manufacturers and partners about the impact of their programs on local communities.

A networking lunch will follow the meeting from 12 to 1 p.m. Manufacturers are strongly encouraged to register and take part in this high-impact dialogue with Lt. Governor Tressel and industry peers. 5/6/2025

Jessica Borza, OMA’s managing director of workforce services, recently participated in a featured panel at the OhioTechNet’s 10-year anniversary event, celebrating a decade of workforce advancement in manufacturing and technology sectors.

The panel, “10 Years of Workforce Innovation,” highlighted the leadership and collaboration in developing earn-and-learn models, forming strategic industry-education partnerships, and aligning training with workforce demands.

Joining Jessica were Courtney Tenhover from Lorain County Community College and OhioTechNet, Jeff Miller from Sinclair College, and John Agostinelli from Amherst Exempted Village Schools. Together, they underscored the power of collaboration in building resilient, future-ready workforce systems.

For manufacturers, the message is clear: sustained engagement with workforce partners isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential to meeting Ohio’s industrial talent needs for the next decade and beyond. 4/30/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) and OhioTechNet, on behalf of the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership, have launched efforts to develop a statewide K-12 manufacturing engagement playbook. The initiative involves cataloging existing resources, aligning these tools with Ohio’s Career Connections Framework, and identifying recommendations for a statewide K-12 alignment strategy in manufacturing.

To gather regional insights, OMA and OhioTechNet are partnering with the Digital Transformation Center at UDRI and the Montgomery County ESC to host listening sessions. The first, held April 17 in Northwest Ohio by the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance (NOMA), brought together educators, manufacturers, higher ed, workforce organizations, and MEP partners. The effort builds on tools in the MakingOhio career exploration toolkit, including the In-Demand Manufacturing Career Pathways Hotcards, that help students and families explore high-demand manufacturing careers in a clear, engaging format. 4/30/2025

The Ohio State University is offering Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) boot camps to help build the next generation of talent in casting and forging.

Guided by industry and faculty experts, these weeklong programs provide hands-on training in metalcasting and forging. Participants will engage in mold making, casting design, metallurgy, heat treatment, and post-processing techniques to equip them with the practical skills essential for careers in the metallurgy field.

Learn more about the METAL boot camp summer schedule and how the graduating participants can benefit your company. 4/30/2025

Workforce development remains a top priority in Ohio, and it’s essential for manufacturers to stay informed on the issues shaping the industry. The OMA will hold its first Workforce Committee meeting of the year on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OMA offices. A Zoom option is available for those joining remotely.

The meeting will explore 2025 workforce priorities with insights from manufacturers and OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs). Attendees will gain key takeaways from the state budget, including major workforce investment proposals, advocacy updates, and the legislative timeline.

A networking lunch will follow the business meeting from noon – 1 p.m. Manufacturers are encouraged to register to participate in these important discussions. 4/22/2025

Mark your calendars for the eighth annual Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit on Thursday, November 6, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. This premier event brings together manufacturers, educators, and workforce leaders to explore solutions to Ohio’s talent challenges.

With the theme “Forging the Future: Building Talent Pipelines for Manufacturing Success,” the Summit will spotlight collaborative, employer-led strategies driving workforce development across the state.

To help shape this year’s agenda, OMA invites manufacturers to submit proposals for breakout sessions. This is your chance to showcase strategies, best practices, and innovative workforce solutions that are making an impact. Each session will be 75 minutes, concluding with audience Q&A.

Submit your proposal by May 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. A review committee will evaluate all qualified proposals, with selected presenters notified by June 27. Please reach out to Mary Voigt with any questions. 4/22/2025

MAGNET and Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County will co-present a free forum, Manufacturers’ Operational and Energy Efficiency, on Wednesday, May 7, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

The event features MAGNET subject matter experts and local manufacturers discussing how operational improvements, energy efficiency, and leadership strategies can impact the bottom line. Local economic development and civic leaders will also speak.

Manufacturers in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties will learn about ARC ARISE funding and a current energy efficiency grant available in the region. Registration is limited, so manufacturers are encouraged to register soon.

MAGNET is part of Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, which supports manufacturers with expert guidance and resources. MEP funding is currently at risk in the proposed federal budget cuts. Manufacturers supportive of MEP can contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to contact the U.S. Department of Commerce to restore MEP funding! 4/15/2025

The OMA and its endorsed industry sector partnerships (ISPs) played a central role in securing $8 million in Super RAPIDS grants by coordinating regional efforts to invest in equipment that supports in-demand manufacturing training.

Working closely with schools, manufacturers, and economic development partners, the OMA and ISPs helped shape equipment project proposals that directly align with regional workforce needs. ISP and OMA representatives guided schools through the proposal process, using the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model both to identify manufacturers’ priority skill needs and to design equipment projects that build those competencies. 4/15/2025