WorkAdvance is an employer-driven workforce solution that connects underutilized talent with high-quality, industry-aligned training. The program equips participants with essential career readiness and technical skills, ensuring they earn industry-recognized credentials and receive coaching for up to 12 months post-placement. Since early 2023, WorkAdvance has placed over 1,400 workers in manufacturing careers, positioning Ohio with a strong pipeline of future technicians.

On March 13th, OMA’s manufacturing leaders provided testimony for House Bill 96, the state's 2-year budget, to secure $2.5 million over the next two years for WorkAdvance. 

This investment will:

• Expand WorkAdvance statewide to create 1,000 new manufacturing job placements
• Reduce per-participant costs by scaling across Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs)
• Integrate WorkAdvance into Ohio’s long-term workforce funding for sustainability
• Develop and deploy Career Ambassador training for effective school and community engagement
• Establish an open-source repository of career awareness tools and resources for educators

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Manufacturers are among the most important businesses to our state’s economy, and when engaged, we can help guide public policy in the right direction.  You can shape the outcome of this amendment to House Bill 96 by adding your voice.

State lawmakers are working quickly to wrap up amendments to the state budget, and they need to hear from you to help this move forward to ensure Ohio has a unified strategy to maintain a strong manufacturing workforce.

Take action now by calling your state lawmakers to amplify the manufacturing industry's support of these workforce initiatives. Send a message or call your state lawmakers urging them to include these crucial workforce initiatives in House Bill 96.

Questions? Contact Jessica Borza with OMA's Workforce Services.