The Challenge
Manufacturing is the top private sector for employment in Ohio – and it is growing. To ensure manufacturing continues to thrive in our state, however, we must address a widening gap between the jobs available and the number of qualified applicants. The issue is compounded by a shrinking labor pool and rapid technological change, as baby boomers retire and industry integrates advances in automation, data technologies, the Internet of Things and more.
Partnering for Solutions
To meet this challenge, manufacturers in Ohio have implemented industry-led sector partnerships in nearly every part of the state, facilitating collaboration among education, economic development, workforce development, and industry partners to address workforce gaps. Ohio TechNet coordinates higher education’s efforts to support the workforce needs of manufacturers. We work closely with The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), employers, government agencies and other stakeholders to create more pathways for in-demand careers and a robust, workforce-ready talent pipeline in Ohio.
We are a consortium of education and training institutions developing innovative new education and training strategies. By promoting efficiency and creativity through collaboration, Ohio TechNet has sparked the development of dozens of new or enhanced programs that have trained thousands.
Ohio TechNet launched in 2014 through a U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant to Lorain County Community College on behalf of a statewide consortium of 11 community colleges. Since then, our consortium has more than doubled in size and future expansion is anticipated.