Partnering with Industry

Building Ohio's Manufacturing Talent

Success Powered by Partnership

By collaborating with an Ohio TechNet (OTN) educational partner, industry can be part of designing the future of state education and workforce policies, eliminating barriers to employment and playing a more significant role in building the next generation of Ohio manufacturers.

OTN provides a learning community that supports member institutions as they partner with employers to develop innovative education and training programs that meet the needs of their industry partners and support the success of diverse learners.

OTN also serves as a partner and resource for state and national organizations who leverage the network to scale proven practices, solicit input on new initiatives and otherwise help drive innovation that meets the needs of our manufacturing sector.

Your participation helps build a better future.

More Ohioans equipped with the most in-demand skills needed by Ohio’s manufacturers
A pathway to prosperity as additional Ohioans are trained for family-sustaining manufacturing careers and wages
Expanded industry engagement resulting in more people earning credentials that demonstrate they have the skills employers need
Expansion of apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs, pairing expert employees with eager trainees as a key solution to Ohio’s skills gap challenge

Key Partners

The Ohio TechNet consortium provides a one-stop-shop for partners interested in connecting with Ohio’s educators to address the talent needs of the manufacturing industry.

Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC)

The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) represents the presidents and leadership of Ohio’s 23 public two-year institutions. Committed to student success and workforce development, OACC works to advance policies and partnerships that strengthen the role of community colleges in meeting Ohio’s educational and economic needs. By fostering collaboration across institutions and with industry, OACC helps ensure that community colleges remain agile, affordable, and aligned with the state’s most critical workforce priorities.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is a statewide organization dedicated solely to protecting and growing Ohio’s manufacturing sector. Since 1910, OMA has brought together manufacturers, workforce partners, educators, and policymakers to strengthen the state’s manufacturing ecosystem. Through strategic advocacy, industry-driven workforce initiatives, and statewide collaboration, OMA helps shape policies, build talent pipelines, and advance innovation that ensures Ohio remains a national leader in manufacturing.

Manufacturing Institute, The National Association of Manufacturers

The Manufacturing Institute is the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Focused on closing the skills gap and building a globally competitive manufacturing workforce, the Institute drives initiatives that attract, train, and retain talent across the U.S. Through programs in leadership development, diversity, military and youth outreach, and industry credentials, the Manufacturing Institute helps manufacturers access the skilled talent they need to grow and compete.

NextFlex

NextFlex is a consortium of companies, academic institutions, non-profits, and state, local and federal government partners with the shared goal of advancing the manufacture of flexible hybrid electronics in the U.S. Since its formation in 2015, the NextFlex community of technologists, educators, problem solvers and manufacturers have come together to collectively facilitate innovation, narrow the manufacturing workforce gap and promote sustainable manufacturing ecosystems.

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) is a member of Manufacturing USA, a network of institutes, each with a specialized technology focus. The institutes share one goal: to secure the future of manufacturing in the U.S. through innovation, collaboration and education. The ARM Institute accelerates the development and adoption of innovative robotics technologies that are the foundation of every advanced manufacturing activity today and in the future.

Ohio Defense Manufacturing Community

In September 2020, the State of Ohio earned a new designation by the U.S. Department of Defense that paves the way for long-term community investment opportunities that can strengthen national security innovation and expand the capabilities of defense manufacturing in the state. Ohio was named a Defense Manufacturing Community under a Department Defense program that commits to Ohio’s defense manufacturers and puts the state in position to receive a $5 million grant to improve manufacturing processes and train workers for next-generation jobs.

LIFT

Operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII), LIFT is a nonprofit 501(c)3 public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense, industry and academia, part of the national network of manufacturing innovation institutes, driving the U.S. mobility sector toward the future manufacturing revolution to support our nation’s economy and enhance our national security. LIFT’s mission is to advance technology and talent development – driving rapid implementation of smarter manufacturing.

AmericaMakes

AmericaMakes is the nation’s leading and collaborative partner in additive manufacturing (AM). As the national accelerator for additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP), America Makes is the nation’s leading and collaborative partner in AM and 3DP technology research, discovery, creation, and innovation. Structured as a public-private partnership with member organizations from industry, academia, government, non-government agencies, and workforce and economic development resources, we are working together to innovate and accelerate AM and 3DP to increase our nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness.

Innovative Earn-and-Learn Strategies: Example #1

Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership

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.
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Innovative Earn-and-Learn Strategies: Example #2

Experiential Advancement Readiness Network

The Experiential Advancement Readiness Network (EARN) project applied successful work-based learning models to recruit and prepare the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Learn more

Columbus State Community Based Partnerships

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