Earn-and-learn is one of the most practical ways to build manufacturing talent: paid, structured on the job training paired with related instruction that leads to recognized credentials. It helps employers bring new people in faster, shorten time to competency, and retain talent by showing a clear path to advancement.
This page highlights models and tools employers can use to launch or strengthen earn and learn programs, from apprenticeships to other work based training approaches. You will also find examples of how employers and partners have used these strategies to expand access, reach new audiences, and close skill gaps in high demand roles.
These examples show what earn-and-learn looks like in practice across Ohio, from recruitment and readiness models to college-based pathways and paid work experiences that build job-ready skills. You will find program snapshots from EARN, Lorain County Community College, and Columbus State, along with a starting point for employers ready to launch an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program through ApprenticeOhio.
The Experiential Advancement Readiness Network (EARN) project applied successful work-based learning models to recruit and prepare the next generation of manufacturing talent.


Lorain County Community College offers multiple earn-and-learn pathways that combine coursework toward certificates and degrees with paid, work-based learning at Northeast Ohio employers. Students gain hands-on experience in in-demand fields while earning wages and building skills aligned to real workforce needs.
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The Modern Manufacturing Work-Study Program (MMWS) at Columbus State allows students to dive into a challenging advanced manufacturing career while receiving the education needed to build their resume and make them highly marketable to manufacturers across the state.


ApprenticeOhio is Ohio’s authorized state apprenticeship agency that assists employers to develop apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, approves applications for sponsorship, and provides oversight and technical support to existing programs to ensure quality and safety.
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