The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is continuing its work as Ohio’s project lead for the CareerWise USA apprenticeship initiative, focused on expanding access to apprenticeship opportunities for Ohio youth. As the project moves forward, OMA has convened the Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership to ensure manufacturers, education and workforce leaders, and regional partners are part of the conversation and helping shape the work that will culminate in a state plan.

This week, OMA is participating in the U.S. Advanced CEMETS Institute in Indianapolis. The Institute brings together Ohio and nine other states to learn from national experts and explore approaches to policy, data and measurement, and dual enrollment and college credit alignment.

For Ohio, the goal is to make manufacturing pathways more seamless — from middle school to high school to postsecondary education, apprenticeship, and employment. By building on the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint and leveraging the Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership, OMA is working with partners across the state to identify what is needed to better connect these systems and make apprenticeship a more accessible and valuable option for young Ohioans. 10/7/2026