As part of its series on labor shortages, Mahoning Matters has published this story examining Mahoning County’s manufacturing job openings. Ryan Englehardt, plant manager at OMA-member Brilex Industries, who is also vice president of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (an OMA-endorsed industry sector partnership), is quoted as saying the industry is facing a “generational gap” — that is, not enough younger workers to replace retirees. Englehardt suggests manufacturers allow candidates to shadow current employees to “make sure it’s something they’re going to enjoy.” The article also spotlights OMA-member Ultium Cells, as well as Youngstown State University’s “Skills Accelerator” program, which offers a primer on manufacturing work, and Eastern Gateway Community College’s robotics course. 5/24/2022