Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint

A statewide, industry-informed plan to scale a future-ready manufacturing workforce – region by region, role by role.

About the Blueprint

Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership

The Blueprint is led by the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA’s) Workforce Leadership Committee comprised of manufacturing leaders, OMA, and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation in partnership with:

Implementation is executed through the Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership. The OMA-Endorsed Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs) will drive progress and alignment among industry, workforce development and education partners at both the regional and local levels.

At the statewide level, state agencies, economic development and education partners will manage overall state priorities and alignment with industry.

Making the Case

What is the Blueprint?

The Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint is a statewide strategy to align, grow and strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. Developed by manufacturing leaders and workforce experts, the Blueprint provides a practical, actionable framework to:

Coordinate education, training and workforce efforts statewide

Expand talent pipelines and broaden access to manufacturing careers

Ensure training programs are aligned with industry-defined skill needs

Support both current and emerging industries with qualified talent

Pillars of Success

These five pillars represent the strategic foundation of the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint. Together, they ensure our workforce development systems are aligned and responsive to the evolving needs of manufacturers.

Connect Workforce Systems and Priorities

Help local and state partners work together more smoothly so everyone is moving toward the same workforce goals.

Grow Career Awareness and Interest

Share the real stories and opportunities behind modern manufacturing to help more people see themselves in these careers.

Broaden the Talent Pool

Raise awareness of manufacturing careers and make them more accessible to people who haven’t always had a clear path to them.​

Align and Scale Education and Training​

Design training programs statewide around what manufacturers actually need, so learners are better prepared and employers can find the right talent faster.​

Expand Earn-and-Learn Models​

Grow paid, hands-on training options – like apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships – that let people earn a paycheck while building their future in manufacturing.​

Download the Blueprint

Ohio is making headlines for the right reasons – record investment, national recognition and a surge in manufacturing job creation. Ohio has a chance to prepare more than 35,000 new operators and technicians each year to meet growing demand and fuel the future of manufacturing.

That’s why we’ve developed the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint.