Key Takeaways :
Ohio manufacturers are facing many challenges related to recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees. However, they have unique opportunities to combat the labor shortage through changes in culture, policy, and processes
There are many strategies to recruit and upskill a diverse workforce ready for Industry 4.0 technologies, including building collaborations with strong community partners to help develop clear talent pipelines
Fair Chance Hiring can be a major asset and driving force for companies struggling with building up their workforce to improve the job readiness and long-term success of employees
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The Ohio Manufacturers Association recently held their 5th annual Workforce Summit, a virtual convening of Ohio manufacturers, educators, and workforce development professionals who are leading the talent development conversation. Throughout the two days of the Summit, the Ohio Manufacturers Association highlighted several key government and business leaders who spoke about the importance of Fair Chance Hiring and the manufacturing industry’s unique opportunities to build strong talent pipelines and employee retention support for individuals with past justice involvement.
Matt Joyce from Envoy joined a panel of Fair Chance experts to discuss the value of this talent strategy, and we were joined by leaders from business, community organizations, and state corrections. Of particular interest was Ohio’s expanded work release program, designed to partner with companies to offer employment in the community during incarceration for qualified candidates.
Overall, the Summit highlighted numerous key topics, including strategies to combat the current labor shortage, best practices for building and expanding DE&I efforts, and opportunities to partner with local reentry organizations to recruit and support candidates with past convictions. Ohio-based manufacturers also had an opportunity to hear from local leaders in HR, Legal and Compliance, and Talent Acquisition who shared their own perspective and experience hiring individuals with past convictions.
Notably, the Summit’s keynote was Amanda Cage, President and CEO of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, who spoke about her more than 25 years of experience in the federal workforce system, grantmaking, and organized labor. Cage touched on how companies can implement strategies that ensure economic inclusion and stability for workers from all paths of life.
To watch clips from Day 1 and Day 2 of the Ohio Manufacturers Association’s 5th annual Workforce Summit, please click on the links above.