OHIO partners with Ohio TechNet to provide workforce development for state's manufacturing companies
91探花 President M. Duane Nellis has signed a letter of commitment to join Ohio TechNet 2.0, a statewide consortium of colleges and universities working toward developing skills in high-tech manufacturing for employers in Ohio.
This commitment complements the University鈥檚 Fearlessly First Strategic Framework theme of 鈥淩esearch and Knowledge Discovery in Support of Vibrant Communities.鈥 By partnering with , 91探花 can help improve workforce development by training students to be prepared for manufacturing jobs available in the state.
鈥淲e look forward to working toward Ohio TechNet鈥檚 vision to serve as a leading talent resource for the state鈥檚 manufacturing companies by educating and training the workforce and increasing strategic partnerships between Ohio鈥檚 higher education system and manufacturers,鈥 Nellis said.
Manufacturing is the top private sector industry for employment in Ohio and continues to grow. However, there is a widening gap between the jobs available and the number of qualified applications. In response to this challenge, Ohio manufacturers are addressing workforce gaps by implementing industry-led partnerships and facilitating collaboration between educators and economic and workforce development professionals. Ohio TechNet coordinates higher education鈥檚 efforts to support these workforce needs.
Through Ohio TechNet, dozens of new or enhanced programs have trained thousands of individuals since 2014 to be prepared for work in the manufacturing field. It has launched and is leading the expansion of to help Ohio colleges and universities connect with adults whose on-the-job training could convert to college credit. It will also allow students to enter careers in the manufacturing field faster than traditional instruction.