Our Work
Ohio TechNet’s Active and Legacy ProjectsDiscover how Ohio TechNet’s statewide collaborations have advanced workforce programs and continue to impact Ohio’s talent pipeline.
Current Work
Semiconductor Education and Research Program (SERP)
The Semiconductor Education and Research Program (SERP) is advancing Ohio’s role in the semiconductor industry by expanding education, training, and research opportunities. Through partnerships with colleges, universities, and employers, SERP helps build a skilled talent pipeline and supports innovation critical to national and regional competitiveness.
EDA Good Jobs Challenge (GJC)
Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Good Jobs Challenge supports the development of industry-led training systems that connect jobseekers to quality careers. In Ohio, this initiative strengthens the manufacturing workforce by scaling earn-and-learn models, expanding access to training, and aligning programs with employer needs.
DOL Northeast Ohio (NEO) Opportunities in Tech
The Northeast Ohio Opportunities in Tech initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to build a more inclusive tech workforce by connecting underrepresented populations to high-demand IT career pathways. Through training, support services, and employer engagement, the project expands access to quality jobs across the region’s growing tech sector.
DOD Defense Industrial Base (DIB) STEM Project
The Defense Industrial Base (DIB) STEM Project, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, engages students in hands-on learning to build awareness of advanced manufacturing and defense-related STEM careers. By partnering with education and industry, the project helps strengthen the talent pipeline critical to national security and innovation.
DOE Industrial Training Assessment Centers (ITAC)
Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) project provides hands-on training for students while helping manufacturers improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Through real-world assessments and applied learning, the initiative strengthens both workforce readiness and industrial competitiveness.
Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC)
The Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC) brings together regional partners to strengthen the microelectronics ecosystem through research, workforce development, and supply chain innovation. As part of the national CHIPS and Science Act strategy, MMEC supports the growth of secure, domestic semiconductor manufacturing in the Midwest.
NOAA Climate Ready
The NOAA Climate Ready initiative supports the development of a skilled workforce prepared to address climate resilience and sustainability. Through education, training, and community partnerships, the project equips individuals with the tools to support climate-adaptive industries and strengthen local environmental resilience efforts.
DOL Northshore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (NMWP)
The Northshore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (NMWP), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, expands access to manufacturing careers through industry-led training, support services, and employer engagement. The initiative focuses on building a resilient, inclusive workforce to meet the talent needs of manufacturers in the Northshore region.
Hydrogen Project with University of Toledo
In partnership with the University of Toledo, this project supports the growth of Ohio’s clean energy workforce through education, research, and training focused on hydrogen technologies. By aligning academic programs with industry needs, the initiative helps prepare talent for emerging careers in the hydrogen economy.
DOL Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs / Charged Up
The Charged Up initiative, part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs program, prepares jobseekers for high-demand roles in electric vehicle infrastructure and clean energy. Through industry-aligned training, supportive services, and targeted outreach, the project expands access to quality careers in the evolving infrastructure sector.
Fund for Our Economic Future
The Fund for Our Economic Future supports collaborative initiatives that advance equitable economic growth across Northeast Ohio. By investing in workforce innovation, job quality, and employer engagement, the Fund helps build inclusive career pathways that align with regional economic priorities.
Previous Work
Manufacturing Experiential Advancement Readiness Network (EARN) Project
To address this workforce gap, Columbus State Community College and Lorain County Community College partnered with industry, state, and education stakeholders to launch the Manufacturing Experiential Advancement Readiness Network (EARN). Running through 2022, EARN focused on expanding experiential, work-based learning programs to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline.
DOL Scaling Apprenticeship, Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP) Project
To build Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline, Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP) was a statewide initiative that upskilled 5,000 Ohioans through innovative earn-and-learn apprenticeship strategies. In 2019, OMWP awarded $12 Million to Scale Industry-Recognized Apprenticeships.
DOD MEEP Project
Through the Department of Defense Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP), Ohio TechNet and its partners expanded advanced manufacturing education to strengthen the defense workforce pipeline. The project supported hands-on learning, faculty development, and industry collaboration to prepare engineers for critical roles in the defense industrial base.