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, March 17 at 8:30 AM
Campus Collection: DriveOhio’s Free, Ready-to-Use Curriculum Resources for Emerging Mobility Technologies
| | |
Hearing from Rich Granger, Managing Workforce Director of Workforce at DriveOhio, and Amber McNair, Senior Transportation Engineer with Burton Planning Services -a valuable opportunity for Ohio TechNet members looking to strengthen alignment with Ohio’s rapidly evolving mobility and transportation sectors.
| | |
This presentation will introduce DriveOhio’s Campus Collection — a set of free, ready-to-use curriculum materials designed to help institutions integrate emerging mobility content into existing programs. Resources include content related to electric vehicles, connected and automated transportation, drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and advanced air mobility.
Gain practical insight into how faculty and institutions can incorporate these materials to enhance coursework, expand experiential learning opportunities, and connect students to emerging career pathways across Ohio.
This session supports Ohio TechNet’s focus on advancing STEM and technical skills education, workforce development, and stronger alignment between academic programs and emerging industry sectors in Ohio.
Want to dive deeper? Access the Campus Collection materials here -they are free and optional.
| | |
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
| | Welcome New Ohio TechNet Members! | | |
In February, Ohio TechNet officially welcomed four new consortium members:
🦅 Bowling Green State University
🛠️ Lorain County JVS
🐾 University of Cincinnati
🐧 Youngstown State University
These partners strengthen our statewide network, helping create career pathways and workforce opportunities across Ohio. Some have worked with Ohio TechNet before—now we’re proud to recognize them as official members!
If you’re interested in becoming a member or want to check your membership status, contact us!
Join an upcoming monthly meeting to hear directly from our new members about their programs and best practices: Ohio TechNet Monthly Meetings
Welcome to the Consortium—we’re excited for what’s ahead!
| |
Strengthening Community Colleges (SCC)
Grant Updates
| | |
SCC3: Expanding IT Pathways Through Northeast Ohio Opportunities in Tech
The Northeast Ohio Opportunities in Tech (OiT) consortium is strengthening the region’s digital talent pipeline through Round 3 of the U.S. Department of Labor Strengthening Community Colleges grant. Led by Ohio TechNet in collaboration with regional community colleges and workforce partners, the initiative expands access to industry-recognized credentials in cybersecurity, networking, data analytics, and emerging artificial intelligence fields.
This quarter focused on strengthening systems behind the scenes — refining credential pathways, improving intake and documentation processes, and aligning program delivery with evolving federal guidance and regional workforce demand.
To date, 353 participants have been served, reflecting continued progress in expanding access to high-value IT training and connecting learners to stackable credentials, work-based learning opportunities, and in-demand technology careers.
The consortium implemented strategies to strengthen employer engagement, including the Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, which helps align academic programs with evolving industry needs. To learn more about the OiT initiative, the BILT model, or other consortium activities, visit our website.
| |
SCC5: Strengthening Earn-and-Learn Pathways Through Northshore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership
Through Round 5 of the U.S. Department of Labor Strengthening Community Colleges grant, the Northshore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (NMWP) is advancing a statewide vision for earn-and-learn manufacturing pathways. Led by Ohio TechNet in collaboration with manufacturing, workforce, and community college partners, the initiative is focused on meeting talent needs for engineering technicians through curricular innovation and expanded earn-and-learn opportunities.
This work brings together colleges, industry partners, and regional sector partnerships to strengthen coordination with manufacturers and align training with evolving workforce needs.
The project also builds on the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s leadership in developing an entry-level technician earn-and-learn model, which is being prepared for pilot implementation in select communities across Ohio.
Together, these efforts are helping demonstrate new ways for industry and educators to collaborate in expanding sustainable earn-and-learn pathways and strengthening the pipeline of skilled engineering technicians. To learn more about NMWP and its work to advance manufacturing talent development across Ohio, visit our website.
| | Upcoming Events & Opportunities | | Stay engaged with upcoming events supporting advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity readiness, and innovative instruction across our network! | | |
April 2026
🔹PACE OTDN Conference | April 9–10, 2026
Ohio TechNet invites CTE leaders and educators to this premier professional development event designed for Ohio’s adult and postsecondary Career Technical Education (CTE) community. The conference will highlight best practices, foster valuable networking opportunities, and explore strategies to advance technical education statewide. Peter Jensen will be presenting and sharing insights with attendees.
🔹 SEMIEXPO Heartland | April 29–30, 2026
This event convenes automotive and semiconductor leaders to explore emerging mobility and manufacturing technologies. Lorain County Community College will be presenting, sharing insights on innovative solutions and workforce strategies helping shape the future of the industry.
🔹 AACC Annual 2026 | April 10–14, 2026
The AACC Annual brings together community college leaders from across the nation for professional development, networking, and collaboration. Attendees will explore strategies to advance student success and innovation in higher education.
May 2026
🔹 SME Fusion | May 5–6, 2026
A leading event focused on manufacturing training and workforce development, featuring expert speakers who share strategies to build, upskill, and sustain Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline.
🔹 OCEA 2026 | May 13–15, 2026
This annual conference convenes educators, employers, and workforce innovators to explore experiential learning, cooperative education, and internships that prepare Ohio students for meaningful careers while strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.
June 2026:
🔹 2026 Dayton Digital Transformation Summit | June 8–10, 2026
This summit, hosted at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, brings together more than 500 leaders, researchers, and innovators from industry, government, and academia to explore advancements in engineering, manufacturing, defense, AI, cyber-physical systems, and next-generation technologies, including Advanced Air Mobility and Unmanned Aerial Systems.
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.
| |
2026 OACC Professional Development
Webinar Series
| | |
2026 OACC Webinar Series
The OACC Professional Development Webinar series, hosted in partnership with The Fieth Team, helps department leaders, faculty, instructional designers, and marketing specialists expand skills in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Faculty-Led Recruitment, OER, and Ohio Workforce Data—providing practical tools and insights to enhance teaching, outreach, and student success across Ohio community colleges
| | 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
| | | | |