The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) convened its Workforce Committee this week, bringing together manufacturers, ISPs, education leaders, and workforce partners to discuss employer-led workforce solutions shaping Ohio’s manufacturing sector. The meeting featured updates on Technician Fast Track, OMA’s new one-year earn-and-learn technician program launching this summer through pilot ISPs, as well as discussions around AI and Smart Manufacturing adoption across the industry.

Manufacturers participated in peer discussions on how AI technologies are impacting operations and workforce development, while AI Owl shared its partnership with OMA to embed practical AI competencies into workforce programs. Additional updates included the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s new CTE Access Grant to expand WorkAdvance into high schools and Ohio Technical Centers, along with workforce policy updates from Tyler Jones, Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Jon Husted, on childcare provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Register for the next OMA Workforce Committee meeting on Aug. 12 to engage in discussions on the workforce priorities and strategies impacting Ohio manufacturers. 5/13/2026