Workforce

Ohio’s manufacturing sector employs over 680,000 people and contributes 17.5% of the state’s GDP. As demand grows for skilled technicians and operators, a unified workforce strategy is critical.

The OMA is leading efforts to expand WorkAdvance, Ohio’s leading entry-level program that has placed nearly 1,400 workers in manufacturing careers since early 2023, across the state. OMA is also driving efforts to implement the Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program to connect manufacturers, educators, and students through youth outreach and career education.

Additionally, the Ohio Manufacturing Technology Assistance Program (MTAP) would support Ohio’s small to mid-size manufacturers to invest in the adoption and integration of smart technologies, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

On March 13, OMA’s manufacturing leaders provided testimony to amend House Bill 96 to secure $12.4 million for WorkAdvance and $6.7 million for the Manufacturing Career Ambassador Program. You can shape the outcome of this decision by adding your voice.

Click the button below to take action and call your state lawmakers to urge support for these amendments to HB 96 to ensure Ohio maintains a strong, unified manufacturing workforce strategy. 3/13/2025

The OMA released the Q1 edition of its Workforce Briefing, the third and refined installment of this quarterly publication. The briefing keeps the Ohio manufacturing workforce ecosystem informed and aligned, providing updates for and from manufacturers, on the OMA’s workforce initiatives.

The Q1 edition highlights the OMA’s workforce services priorities through stories and impacts from manufacturers, Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), and workforce development partners to help strengthen alignment and workforce strategies across Ohio’s manufacturing workforce community.

Share this resource with your organizations and peers. To receive future quarterly editions, opt in to the OMA Workforce Community. 3/17/2025

Ohio manufacturers can now apply for the latest round of TechCred funding, open through March 31 at 3 p.m. This program reimburses employers up to $2,000 per technology-focused credential (up to $30,000 per funding round) for upskilling current or prospective employees. Employers must partner with an approved credential provider to qualify.

The OMA continues to advocate for strong funding for TechCred, which helps manufacturers build a skilled workforce. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to apply. Learn more and submit applications by March 31. 3/12/2025

Raise the Bar (RTB), an OMA-Endorsed ISP, is aligning education with the skills manufacturers need. By surveying local employers, RTB is identifying critical gaps in workforce readiness, from robotics training to industry-recognized credentials.

-Educators are still gaining insight into the specific skill needs of manufacturing, creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. RTB bridges this knowledge gap through industry tours for teachers, employer engagement in schools, and aligning local in-demand industry-recognized credentials and workforce programs with TechCred and Ohio’s graduation requirements.

Manufacturers in Hancock County can connect with Tricia Valasek at RTB to share workforce needs, or if not in Hancock County, engage with their local ISP to strengthen workforce alignment. 3/5/2025

Ohio’s community colleges are leading higher education growth, surpassing national enrollment trends. Engineering technologies programs saw a 7.2% increase over the past year, reflecting rising demand for high-tech skills in manufacturing.

As global companies like Intel and Honda/LG expand in Ohio, developing a skilled high-tech workforce is critical. Increased enrollment aligns with the growing industry needs, ensuring graduates are ready for advanced roles. 3/5/2025

The North Shore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership, led by Ohio TechNet, brings together five community colleges and industry leaders to address manufacturing workforce needs. Supported by a $5.7 million U.S. Department of Labor Strengthening Community Colleges initiative, the partnership focuses on expanding in-demand engineering technician career programs through hands-on learning and industry collaboration.

This initiative tests innovative strategies to enhance efficiency and workforce readiness across Ohio. Key objectives include scaling earn-and-learn models, aligning training programs with industry demands, and expanding credit for prior learning in manufacturing pathways. Over four years, the program aims to serve 875 participants, strengthening Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline.

Learn more about the North Shore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership and its partnering colleges and organizations. 3/5/2025

As industry leaders across the state prepare for In-Demand Jobs Week, one of the best ways to recognize high school and tech school graduates starting manufacturing careers is by hosting a signing ceremony.

A signing ceremony publicly honors students committing to manufacturing jobs, just like athletes committing to college teams. This event highlights the value of skilled careers, builds excitement among students, and strengthens relationships between schools and employers.

Download the MakingOhio In-Demand Jobs Week Planning Guide to learn how to organize a signing ceremony and showcase manufacturing as a top career choice. 2/26/2025

Ohio is expanding its career and technical education (CTE) programs to meet the growing manufacturing labor demand. Governor Mike DeWine has proposed $200 million for CTE capital improvements and equipment, aiming to expand training opportunities for students statewide.

Currently, 141,503 students are enrolled in industry-aligned CTE programs across Ohio. In 2023, 96% of CTE students graduated, and 83.3% scored proficient or higher on technical skill assessments.

By investing in CTE, Ohio aims to equip students with the necessary skills to meet industry demands, ensuring the state’s manufacturing sector remains competitive. Learn more about Ohio’s efforts to expand career and technical education for the manufacturing workforce. 2/26/2025

The OMA has just published its 2025 Workforce Roadmap, outlining five key priorities to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. These strategies include expanding the OMA-Endorsed ISP Network, scaling WorkAdvance to address entry-level workforce needs, increasing youth engagement through MakingOhio, aligning training with the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model, and providing thought leadership to manufacturers.

Learn more about these priorities and how they support Ohio’s manufacturing workforce by reading the full 2025 Workforce Roadmap. 2/19/2025

The OMA-Endorsed ISP network has connected 1,822 workers to manufacturing careers across Ohio. Through initiatives like WorkAdvance and upskilling programs, ISPs equip job seekers with the skills needed for in-demand roles through training and career support.

BESTOhio, an OMA-Endorsed ISP, has partnered with General Mills to build a pipeline of skilled workers. Through the WorkAdvance model, BESTOhio identifies, trains, and prepares job seekers for manufacturing careers while ensuring they have the resources to succeed long-term.

Watch the full testimonial video from General Mills to hear more about the impact of their partnership with BESTOhio, and visit ohiomfg.com to see how you can get connected with your local ISP. 2/19/2025

Governor DeWine announced that four Ohio higher education institutions will host the state’s Teacher Bootcamp Program, providing hands-on industry experience to nearly 667 educators.

The program helps educators understand in-demand skills so they can better prepare students for the workforce. By connecting teachers with real-world industry knowledge, the initiative strengthens collaboration between education and businesses to address workforce needs.

“Ensuring Ohio’s students graduate with real-world skills is essential,” said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “The Teacher Bootcamp Program gives educators valuable industry exposure to help students pursue high-wage, in-demand careers.”

Visit governor.ohio.gov to learn more about the institutions awarded and impacts of the teacher bootcamp programs. 2/5/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association has named Lauren Massie as the new Director of Workforce Services.

In this role, Lauren will work closely with employers and education and workforce partners to advance the OMA’s workforce strategy, strengthen the state’s manufacturing talent pipeline, and further align education with industry needs.

Lauren brings more than 20 years of experience in education and workforce development, including leadership roles at Central Ohio Technical College, Licking County Career and Technical Center, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and Ohio Department of Higher Education. She holds two undergraduate degrees from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. 2/5/2025

Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed FY 2026-2027 Executive Budget, released this week, contains significant investments in workforce development to strengthen Ohio’s talent pipeline. The budget includes nearly $60 million in new competitive grants to Tech Prep Regional Centers to expand career-technical education and increase high school student access to college credit opportunities.

The budget proposes to allocate $32 million for industry-recognized credentials for high school students and $10 million for the Industry Partnership Grant to support business-education collaborations. The TechCred program, which helps employers offset upskilling costs, has been suggested to receive over $50 million in funding.

“Our executive budget is all about investing in Ohio’s greatest asset, our people,” said Governor DeWine.

OMA staff are still analyzing the proposed budget and will have deeper analysis on OMA priorities coming soon. Visit governor.ohio.gov to learn more about the proposed 2026-2027 budget. 2/5/2025

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced 35 workforce partnerships will receive a total of $5.1 million through the Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant. This program supports local and industry-led partnerships to connect Ohioans to the workforce while addressing the needs of employers and the economy.

Industry Sector Partnerships create regional workforce strategies by fostering collaboration among local businesses, education and training providers, and community stakeholders.

“The best way to ensure a community thrives is by investing in its people,” said Governor DeWine. View the full news release, and to learn more about the ISP grant, visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/ISP. 1/28/2024

The first full week of May marks In-Demand Jobs Week, a statewide celebration of Ohio’s top industries, skills, and career opportunities. Manufacturers across the state host events to spark interest and raise awareness about rewarding careers in manufacturing among students and job seekers.

To support your efforts, MakingOhio, OMA’s youth-focused initiative, offers a free planning guide. This resource includes tips on getting started, understanding your audience, participation ideas, and measuring success.

Download the guide at MakingOhio.com/tools and start preparing in February to make the most of In-Demand Jobs Week. 1/22/2024

By 2033, manufacturers must fill 3.8 million jobs, yet a growing skills gap puts half of those positions at risk. To address this challenge, manufacturers need to connect with students early, starting as young as 4th grade, as they will graduate in 2033.

The Manufacturing Institute has developed The Quest for the Crystal of Innovation (Innovators Quest), a gamified experience for students in grades 4-9. This interactive experience introduces key manufacturing concepts through fun, hands-on activities, helping manufacturers build awareness and excitement about manufacturing careers.

Learn how Innovators Quest can boost your company’s community engagement and talent pipeline during a virtual informational session on January 31 at 11 a.m. EST. For questions, contact students@nam.org. 1/22/2024

Ohio manufacturers were highlighted in a two-part PBS News Hour series examining workforce challenges and opportunities as the U.S. enters a manufacturing renaissance.

Part one focuses on how colleges are training the next generation of manufacturing workers. Part two features insights from industry leaders, including OMA president Ryan Augsburger, on addressing the growing demand for skilled workers and how manufacturers are finding new ways to hire and attract talent. 1/9/2024

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation announced last week that the application period is now open for Ohio’s High School Tech Internship Program. The program helps businesses connect with high school students for technology-focused internships. Employers hosting interns through the program can receive wage reimbursements of up to 75%, capped at $5,000 per intern.

Regional intermediaries have been established to assist employers and schools with the application process. Review guidelines or learn more on the Internship Program page.1/9/2024

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