Workforce

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services last week announced $1.2 million in grant funding for Ohio employers to utilize in creating new apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. These competitive grants focus on in-demand sectors including manufacturing, broadband, and semiconductors.

Ohio is a national leader in apprenticeship programs – ranked third in the U.S. and first in the Midwest for number of apprentices. These programs help employers access and train workers for the specific jobs they need filled, while allowing participants to learn while earning a wage and gaining on-the-job experience.

To learn more and apply, visit Apprentice.Ohio.gov. The application portal opened Dec. 13, and awardees will be announced by Feb. 15, 2025. 12/18/2024

The OMA yesterday released the Q4 edition of its Workforce Briefing, the second installment of this new quarterly publication. The briefing keeps the Ohio manufacturing workforce ecosystem informed and aligned, providing updates for and from manufacturers, as well as state agencies, economic development organizations, K-12, career-tech, higher education, and workforce development partners. It highlights progress, key challenges, and engagement opportunities to strengthen manufacturers’ competitiveness and create career pathways for Ohioans.

Share this resource with your organization and peers. For anyone interested in receiving future quarterly editions, opt in to the OMA Workforce Community. 12/12/2024

The Ohio Department of Development’s Export Internship Program connects small to medium-sized manufacturers looking to grow in international markets with college students seeking experience – reimbursing 50% of intern wages. Participating companies must demonstrate a commitment to exports, provide managerial guidance, and ensure the intern’s workload focuses on export-related tasks.

The application portal for the 2025 program is open now. For more information, contact Wendi Howell, Ohio Export Internship Program Manager. 12/12/2024

The OMA this week reconstituted its Statewide Alignment Committee to address pressing workforce challenges in the manufacturing sector. The committee includes key leaders from industry and state agencies, including K-12, career-tech, higher education, and workforce 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 supporting initiatives such as the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model, JobsOhio, TechCred, and the Auto and Advanced Mobility Workforce Strategy, the committee strengthens Ohio manufacturers competitiveness in addressing workforce needs. 12/4/2024

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation announced the results of the Sep. 2024 TechCred application period, with 597 employers receiving funding to help Ohioans earn 7,421 tech-focused credentials. Among these, artificial intelligence credentials continue to gain momentum, with 1,300 awarded in this round. 62 Ohio schools also received funding to help educators develop their own AI-related skills.

The next TechCred application period opens Jan. 2, 2025, and closes Jan. 31, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Learn more and submit your application at TechCred.Ohio.Gov. 12/5/2024

Last week, the OMA hosted the seventh annual Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, drawing manufacturers, educators, workforce experts, and state leaders to discuss strategies for addressing Ohio’s workforce challenges.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted delivered the morning keynote, emphasizing Ohio’s leadership in manufacturing and workforce development.

“You can’t do ‘Made in America’ without ‘Made in Ohio,’” Husted said, highlighting efforts to align workforce skills with industry needs through career tech education and programs like TechCred.

Panels and presentations explored critical topics, including youth engagement, leveraging untapped talent pools, and integrating AI into manufacturing operations.

“It is our responsibility as manufacturers to invest in and plan for AI integration,” said Kurt Kroplin, plant leader for ScottsMiracle-Gro.

The event reinforced the importance of collaboration among manufacturers, educators, and state leaders to ensure Ohio remains a national leader in manufacturing talent development.

View the photo recap of the Summit and submit your feedback on what you’d like to see at next year’s Workforce Summit. 11/14/2024

The OMA led the project funding prioritization session for the Southwest Ohio Super Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills, alongside the OMA-endorsed Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership.

The event connected manufacturers with regional colleges and universities to review their funding proposals for new manufacturing training equipment to enhance workforce training. Employers provided direct input to prioritize projects based on industry needs.

This approach ensures that educational institutions secure the equipment necessary to produce job-ready talent for Ohio manufacturers. 11/12/2024

Last week, Intel hosted the Semiconductor Education and Research Program event at Columbus State Community College, where Ohio colleges and universities shared updates on their Intel grant-funded projects. Presentations highlighted advancements in semiconductor education and workforce training.

Jessica Borza, OMA’s managing director of workforce services, presented updates on the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model and its role in aligning all manufacturing-related education with industry needs, ensuring a steady pipeline of job-ready talent.11/12/2024

Appalachian Ohio received $8.2 million in new grants to build a stronger workforce through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative.

Announced by Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Husted last week, the funding prepares residents for manufacturing careers by supporting workforce training that meets immediate industry needs. A key focus of the initiative is to promote long-term economic revitalization in Appalachian communities impacted by the coal industry’s decline. 11/1/2024

Last week, America Makes launched AMJobs, a free, digital platform funded by the Ohio Department of Development, supporting growth in Ohio additive manufacturing.

Designed with input from educators and manufacturers, AMJobs provides tools for promoting additive manufacturing careers to youth and other prospective jobseekers. 11/1/2024

As Manufacturing Month comes to a close, OMA-endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) have played a strong role in highlighting manufacturing career pathways across Ohio.

The Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership hosted student tours of regional manufacturers facilities, the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition partnered with the Columbiana County Port Authority for a manufacturing appreciation event, and MAGNET was featured in Industry Week.

View more ISP highlights from Manufacturing Month. 10/31/2024

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 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

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

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

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