Workforce

Last week, The Ohio Auto and Advanced Mobility Workforce Strategy Steering Committee held its Q4 meeting at the Delaware Area Career Center.

Key achievements highlighted included over a thousand new manufacturing training slots created in underserved communities and more than 1,300 educational programs being reviewed for alignment with the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model. Dozens of educational institutions have also submitted proposals through the Super Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills initiative to advance manufacturing training equipment.

For additional details, access the Steering Committee’s presentation and the accompanying presentation guide. 10/11/2024

The Greater Ohio Workforce Board is hosting virtual feedback sessions for manufacturers on Oct. 24. These one-hour sessions will focus on labor market analysis where manufacturers will share insights on hiring trends, workforce preparedness, the impact of automation, and future workforce needs. This feedback will help shape workforce development investments that will keep Ohio manufacturing strong and competitive for the future.

Learn more and register for the session in your region. 10/10/2024

The OMA-endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) have been busy during Manufacturing Month showcasing careers to youth across the state. Dozens of events have been hosted across the state already:

160 students from five regional schools joined the Advanced Manufacturing Consortium for hands-on experiences, including virtual welding, robotics, and career discussions with local employers. The Workforce Partnership of Putnam County organized plant tours and site visits for 525 students from 12 county schools, connecting them with 10 manufacturers to explore manufacturing and the skills required for future careers. The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition partnered with Youngstown State University to host 72 students and 15 local manufacturers, providing hands-on experiences in additive manufacturing, robotics, and STEM careers.

Be sure to check out this map for all upcoming statewide events. 10/10/2024

Over 150 business leaders gathered at the Lorain County JVS this week, continuing the celebration of Manufacturing Month. The event included a welcome message from Lt. Gov. Husted, a keynote from JobsOhio, tours of facilities, and an industry panel discussion featuring Jessica Borza (OMA), Ethan Karp (MAGNET), Sophia Long (Team NEO), and Scott Buchana (Avient Corp.). Panelists shared insights on continuing efforts to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing workforce through strategic collaboration and innovation.

Check out Lt. Governor Husted’s message celebrating Ohio manufacturing in the MFG Month kickoff video.

View other events taking place across Ohio for MFG Month by exploring the official MFG Month event map. 10/1/2024

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced this week the fifth round of the Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant, with $5 million available to support local workforce development. This funding encourages collaboration between manufacturers, educators, and community stakeholders to address regional talent needs and drive economic growth. The fourth round awarded $5 million to 26 partnerships, benefiting manufacturing, IT, and healthcare sectors.

Manufacturers are encouraged to collaborate with their ISPs to apply for the new round of funding before the Oct. 31 deadline. 10/2/2024

Be sure to take advantage of Early Bird Registration rates for the Ohio Manufacturers Workforce Summit 2024, taking place on Nov. 14 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

At this year’s summit, manufacturers will tackle workforce challenges, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate on strategies for success—gaining insights, tools, and connections to strengthen their workforce. Save $75 per registration when you register before the early bird registration window closes on Monday, Sept. 30.

Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information, contact Nick Miller at (614) 369-5354 or via email. 9/25/2024

Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted this week announced funding for 34 Ohio schools through the second round of the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program. These grants provide over 6,300 additional students access to modern equipment, expanding training in fields like manufacturing, engineering, and construction.

The funding helps schools upgrade equipment to better prepare students for workforce needs, aligning with Ohio’s manufacturing sector demands. The program aims to develop career-ready graduates by ensuring hands-on training with workplace-relevant technology.

Manufacturers can learn more about this grant program and review the full list of awarded schools. 9/25/2024

The Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation (OWT) announced the largest TechCred round to date, with 524 employers awarded funding to upskill employees through 6,747 tech-focused credentials. Manufacturing remains the top industry utilizing the program, marking the highest number of employers awarded and credentials requested in a single funding round since the program’s inception in 2019.

TechCred enables Ohio manufacturers to enhance their workforce’s technology skills, ensuring the sector stays competitive. Employers can receive up to $30,000 per round and up to $180,000 annually to fund training. In July, Lt. Governor Husted announced that to date, over 100,000 credentials have been awarded through the TechCred program.

The 28th application period opened Sep. 2, 2024, and closes on Sep. 30, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Learn more or apply at TechCred.Ohio.Gov. 9/12/2024

Governor DeWine recently announced the launch of the Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program, encouraging businesses to implement recovery-friendly practices and earn an official statewide designation. The program supports individuals in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders, helping to reduce addiction stigma and create job opportunities.

The Recovery Friendly Workplace program aligns with the OMA’s focus on meeting workforce demands through untapped talent, including individuals impacted by the justice system. By supporting workers in recovery or reentering the workforce, manufacturers can retain valuable employees, reduce turnover, and decrease absenteeism.

Learn more about how to earn the official statewide designation at RecoveryFriendlyWorkplace.MHA.Ohio.gov. 9/18/2024

Manufacturing Month in Ohio and MFG Day (Friday, Oct. 4) are just three weeks away. As members plan their activities to build excitement about manufacturing careers, here are some important updates:

Manufacturers (and their supporters) planning a MFG Day/Month event should check out these resources for planning an event.

This national map shows every MFG Day/Month event registered with the Manufacturing Institute, including more than 40 events across Ohio. Be sure to register your event.

Follow the OMA’s LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook pages, which will share MFG Month messages throughout October. If you are hosting events, post them on your social media and tag the OMA or use #MFGMonth2024 so we can share and highlight your efforts.

Additionally, OMA Connections Partner Akiha has put together a guide on how to integrate Manufacturing Month into your marketing and communications plans. 9/12/2024

Ohio manufacturers now have until Sep. 13 to apply for the College Tech Internship Program, offering an opportunity to engage with college student interns before they enter the job market. The program reimburses up to two-thirds of intern wages, capped at $7,500 per intern.

Companies must provide a meaningful internship, hire interns as W-2 employees, and can bring on up to 10 interns at a minimum wage of $15 per hour. 9/5/2024

Registration is now open for the seventh annual Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit 2024, the premier statewide gathering for Ohio’s manufacturers, on November 14 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

This year’s theme, “Stellar Employer Strategies for Eclipsing the Competition,” addresses the key workforce needs of manufacturers, amplifies their voices, and explores solutions to meet industry demands.

This full-day event offers opportunities to learn, network, and share best practices. Take advantage of the early bird registration rate by registering before September 30. 8/28/2024

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit 2024, scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

This event is Ohio’s premier workforce gathering of manufacturers, focused on attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled manufacturing workforce. With over 500 expected attendees, including manufacturers, policymakers, educators, and workforce partners, your sponsorship provides prime visibility and direct engagement with key industry stakeholders.

Act quickly to be included in event promotions. For details or to secure your sponsorship, contact Nick Miller. 8/22/2024

OhioTechNet, based at Lorain County Community College (LCCC), has secured federal funding to establish one of three Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITACs) in Ohio.

This initiative, supported by the OMA, HHW Ohio, and Manufacturing Works, will strengthen small- and medium-sized manufacturers by implementing smart manufacturing processes that drive cost savings and productivity, supporting upskilling current workers, as well as training new talent through internships and apprenticeships. 8/14/2024

The OMA-endorsed Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP) has been chosen to participate in the Building Rural Community Systems Institute, a three-year initiative to enhance training-to-employment pathways in rural areas nationwide.

TVISP submitted a successful proposal, inviting the OMA to join their institute team and becoming one of only two Ohio-based organizations selected.

The first session took place last week, with staff from the OMA, TVISP, and OMA member TuscoMFG developing strategies to engage key partnerships and improve job training and education system alignment. 7/31/2024

The College Technology Internship Grant Program, supported by the Ohio Department of Development and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, is seeking manufacturers to host young talent through paid internships.

Companies can hire up to ten interns, with the grant reimbursing two-thirds of each intern’s wages. The program broadly defines technology to include manufacturing roles such as technicians.

Applications for the fall and spring semesters opened in August and will remain open for four weeks. Learn more and apply at TechIntern.Development.Ohio.gov. 7/31/2024

In a press release this week, OMA president Ryan Augsburger commended the leadership of Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Husted for their commitment to developing a skilled workforce and applauded the recent TechCred milestone announced by the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation.

With over 100,000 credentials awarded, the TechCred program has played a key role in equipping Ohio workers with technology-focused skills and credentials, further enhancing the competitive edge of Ohio’s manufacturing sector.

For further details on the TechCred program or to participate, visit TechCred.Ohio.gov. 7/22/2024

The DeRocco Fellows program, created to honor the legacy of Emily Stover DeRocco, former advocate for manufacturing education, prepares young women for leadership roles in manufacturing through mentorship, professional development, and community engagement.

The program is launching recruitment efforts for its inaugural class of DeRocco Fellows and is seeking manufacturers to both nominate participants as well as host fellows for the summer of 2025. Manufacturers interested in participating can learn more about nominating fellows and becoming a host at one of the upcoming informational webinars. 7/24/2024

Last week, leaders from across the state met at MAGNET in Cleveland for the Auto and Advanced Mobility Steering Committee meeting.

The agenda included several key developments, including:

• $9.37M of funding deployed for training equipment and regional support
• Updated user tools added to the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model website
• Launch of working group focused on training justice-impacted individuals for manufacturing careers
• Launch of new partnership with the Ohio STEM Learning Network, expanding collaboration between industry and K-12 education

OMA members have multiple opportunities to engage with these initiatives, ranging from providing input on training needs and program decisions, to actively participating in developing new manufacturing curriculums. Members can also endorse the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model and connecting with newly trained talent through the WorkAdvance program.

For more details or to get involved, please contact Jessica Borza, OMA’s Managing Director of Workforce Services. 7/17/2024

At this week’s 2024 All Ohio Conference in Columbus, hosted by the Ohio Association of Career and Technical Education, OMA staff presented on how the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model is helping to ensure that educational training programs align with manufacturers’ needs.

The model, led by the OMA, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, and OhioTechNet, features tools designed to align school curriculums with the specific skills manufacturers require. Through the expanded use of the competency model and its tools, manufacturers can expect to hire well-prepared workers, ready to meet the industry’s current and future demands. 7/17/2024