On Aug. 3, the U.S. Economic Development Administration announced that the OMA is among just 32 winners of the agency’s Good Jobs Challenge, which will invest $500 million nationwide. Over the grant’s three-year term, it’s projected that 1,000 or more OMA-member employers will directly engage in (and benefit from) this initiative, which directly funds local Industry Sector Partnerships to continue their work coordinating, developing, and promoting manufacturing workforce solutions. More than 120 state and local partners supported the OMA’s grant application, demonstrating an incredible level of support and collaboration. “Receiving this award demonstrates that Ohio is the state to watch when it comes to industry-led workforce development,” OMA President Ryan Augsburger said. “Those involved in reviewing the grant applications have told us that the OMA is providing a model for the nation. The Good Jobs Challenge provides resources to bring that model to scale.” The OMA seeks to enroll 6,000 individuals in one or more training programs that lead to a job offer or upskilling opportunity at their incumbent employer. That’s 6,000 lives that can be changed for the better — and 6,000 productive employees to help Ohio manufacturers compete. For more about the Good Jobs Challenge, see OMA’s press release. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks. 8/3/2022