Partners in Training
Ohio's Manufacturing Workforce
| | The Ohio TechNet Team at LCCC | |  | The Ohio Technical Skills Innovation Network, or Ohio TechNet (OTN), is a statewide consortium of over 40 community colleges, universities, and technical centers that accelerate innovation to meet manufacturing and tech workforce needs. OTN’s strategic areas of focus include reaching new audiences, expanding innovative earn and learn opportunities, engaging industry partners, supporting faculty development, and strengthening K-12 talent pathways. | | | |
Ohio TechNet invites you to join us on Tuesday, February 17 at 8:30 AM
Special Guest: COSI – Inspiring Innovation in K–12 Students
| | Hearing from Sara Leikin, Chief of Global Learning Experiences and STEM Partnerships at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), is a valuable opportunity for members in education and workforce development to explore how hands-on STEM programs can deepen student engagement and spark long-term interest in manufacturing and technical careers. | | | |
With experience as both a teacher and principal, Sara brings practical insight into transforming K–12 learners into creators and problem-solvers through experiential learning. She’ll highlight COSI’s statewide initiatives — including HIVE and EiPiC — and share how these programs connect classrooms, industry, and real-world STEM pathways.
Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and new opportunities to collaborate with COSI to strengthen STEM readiness and workforce pipelines across Ohio. Sara also partners with community colleges, manufacturing programs, and DoD STEM initiatives, and is exploring collaboration opportunities tied to upcoming statewide summits in June and October 2026.
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Important Update: Ohio TechNet Monthly Meetings are now hosted on Microsoft Teams. An updated invitation has been sent for all meetings. Contact us to have the meeting series added to your calendar.
Click Here to join us!
MS Teams Meeting ID: 260 407 490 160 85
MS Teams Passcode: tP27xk3n
| | Ohio TechNet and Partners Awarded Funding for Year 2 of DOE ITAC Expansion Grant | | |
Ohio TechNet (OTN) is pleased to announce that it has been approved for funding to continue into Year 2 of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) Expansion Grant.
Partners in this statewide effort include Lorain County Community College, MAGNET, Manufacturing Works, and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association.
Building on the groundwork laid in Year 1, this continued funding enables OTN and its partners to expand hands-on training, deepen industry engagement, and strengthen workforce development strategies aligned with advanced manufacturing.
The OTN ITAC provides vital resources to help small and medium manufacturers (SMMs) access talent planning resources and complete CESMII’s Smart Manufacturing Acceleration Roadmap Framework—an essential guide for advancing their smart manufacturing capabilities. Year 2 workforce efforts focus on scaling successful pre‑apprenticeship training models, reaching new audiences for manufacturing careers, and expanding work-based learning opportunities.
Continued updates and resources will be shared at OTN meetings.
| | Upcoming Events & Opportunities | | Stay engaged with upcoming events supporting advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity readiness, and innovative instruction across our network! | | |
February 24, 2026:
🔹OACC Workshop: Innovative Instruction – Building Engaging Learning Experiences: A professional development opportunity focused on strengthening instructional practices and student engagement. Register Here
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February 25, 2026:
🔹Tri-C Industry Day: Connect with regional industry partners and explore collaboration opportunities. Additional Details
🔹CMMC Demystified: How to Prepare, Implement, and Pass Your CMMC Assessment: Hosted by America Makes and partners, this session supports manufacturers navigating cybersecurity compliance requirements. Register Here
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July 2026:
🔹Summer 2026 Workshop Opportunity for Educators – Advanced Metalworking: An in-depth professional development experience for educators looking to expand advanced manufacturing knowledge and skills. More Info
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National Defense Education Program (NDEP) Annual Meeting Update:
Ohio TechNet Defense STEM Consortium
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Sinclair Community College and Lorain County Community College recently shared highlights from the Ohio TechNet Defense Industrial Base STEM Consortium at the National Defense Education Program Annual Awardees Meeting, showcasing OTN partners' progress in building Ohio’s defense-focused STEM and advanced manufacturing talent pipeline.
Key highlights from the past year include:
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- Educator Upskilling: Nearly 40 educators completed training in Automation, Robotics, and Digital Transformation.
- Student Impact: 197 students gained hands-on Industry 4.0 experience, with strong growth in Automation program enrollment across partner institutions.
- K–12 Engagement: Reached 824 students through FlexFactor, dual enrollment, internships, and new manufacturing pathways such as the Marion L. Steele HS Advanced Manufacturing program (Amherst).
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Curriculum Expansion: Programs in Digital Transformation and Automation continue to scale statewide through collaborations with Cleveland State University, Ohio University, Miami University, and others.
| | Member Spotlight: ARM Institute Champion | | |
Congratulations to Terri Sandu, Director of Ohio TechNet, on being named an ARM Institute Champion!
In a recent feature, Terri shares insights on why LCCC joined the ARM Member Consortium, how members can deepen their engagement, and what’s ahead this year.
The ARM Institute Champion program recognizes members who go above and beyond to strengthen U.S. manufacturing through robotics, physical AI, and workforce development while advancing the ARM Institute’s mission.
We’re proud to see Ohio TechNet leadership recognized at the national level for driving innovation and workforce impact. (Photo courtesy of ARM Institute| LinkedIn)
Read the full feature: https://arminstitute.org/news/champion-terri-sandu/
LinkedIn post: https://lnkd.in/gyQcjqx4
| | Ohio's Manufacturing Talent Partnership | | | | The Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint is a statewide strategy designed to align, grow, and strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. Developed through collaboration among education, industry, and workforce partners, the Blueprint outlines shared priorities and actionable strategies to meet Ohio’s current and future manufacturing workforce needs. Learn more at www.ohiomtp.com! | | Missed a Meeting or Past Newsletter?
Access recent meetings and newsletters on Ohio TechNet's website. | | Got News? Share it with Ohio TechNet! | | |
We’re always looking to highlight podcasts, success stories, new team members, upcoming events, and requests for collaboration or support related to workforce development, manufacturing, and connected industries. If it’s helping move pathways, partnerships, or learners forward, we’d love to feature it in an upcoming Ohio TechNet newsletter. Submit items via email to: ohiotechnet@lorainccc.edu
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