High School Manufacturing Day is October 2
Help Promote Manufacturing Careers Through our Signature Event
We invite manufacturers to help showcase the many viable career pathways in manufacturing on Manufacturing Day on October 2. Over 300 high school students will participate in coordinated field trips and plant tours. This is the 4th year of the event which keeps growing!
If interested in hosting student tours and the $500 sponsorship/participation opportunity, then register HERE. We will be reaching out to past and potential new participants over the next month. We also welcome sponsorships from our associate and supporting members.
Contact Barb Bennett if you have questions at bhbennett@bhbennett.org or 330-312-3267.
Membership
Welcome New Members!
The following organizations are now officially registered:
- Massillon Container Company/Vail
- Stark Education Partnership, Inc.
- Pivot Staffing LLC
- Lumm & Co (Xecutive Recruitment Inc.)
We’re also welcoming Bethany Dolak, representing Women in Manufacturing.
Registration is FREE at www.StarkManufacturing.org/membership. Check out our webpage to see if your organization is an official registered member.
Offset Your Technical Training Costs!
Funding for technical training for incumbent OR future employees is available through a state program referred to as TechCred. This program reimburses employers up to $2,000/employee per industry recognized credential and up to $30,000 per company each application round. The next application round is 10/01-10/30. If awarded funding then employers have 12 months for employees to complete training and submit to the state for reimbursement forro training costs.
Since January 2025, Stark County manufacturing employers have trained 80+ individuals using TechCred funding. The Ohio TechCred simple application process is explained HERE.
Stark State’s approved short term TechCred credentials in advanced manufacturing are found HERE. There are many other training options with local educational institutions and online platforms.
Contact a SCMWDP education partner or contact Stephanie Werren at Stephanie@stephaniewerren.com as she can assist with assessing your training needs, making training provider connections or assisting in the TechCred application process.
4 Employers Needed for Educator Tour on October 13
To augment the October celebration of Manufacuring Month, we are scheduling another educator tour for October 13. Only 4 companies will be on the tour due to time constraints. This is a great way to promote your company brand and the many benefits of a manufacturing career to local educators who are major influencers of Stark County’s future workforce. This tour is extremely popular with our local educators and is truly an eye-opening experience when they learn about out our local manufacturing career pathways and the many levels of opportunities found in Stark County. If interested in hosting part of the October 13 educator tour, please register HERE or contact Barb Bennett at 330-312-3267.
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Opportunity for Front Line Leadership Training – Starts August 21
Our peer manufacturing Industry Sector Partnership, the Mahoning Valley Manufacturing Coalition (MVMC) is launching a four-part part series for Front Line Leadership Training. This in-person series will be held in Youngstown. This training is in response to employers describing front line leadership as one of the biggest pain points when it comes to retention, accountability and team performance.
Non-MVMC member cost is $1,150. Incumbent worker training dollars may potentially be granted from our local workforce development board. click here for an Overview of training.
To register, click here. The deadline for registration is August 18.
OMA Developing Employer Led Earn and Learn Model
Stark Manufacturer Industry Champion Needed
We’re excited to share an opportunity to participate in the design of a new initiative aimed at strengthening Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. Accenture has agreed to a 90-day pro bono arrangement with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) to create an employer-led earn-and-learn / apprenticeship model focused on developing entry-level manufacturing technicians. The objective is to significantly expand the technician talent available — with potential to scale capacity by 4x statewide.
OMA has requested a Stark County manufacturer leader interested in being a part of the 90-day design process, starting in August. We are hoping this design project will lead to a common employer-led earn-and-learn model that will be piloted and scaled across the state.
Time Commitment and Next Steps:
- Attend a half-day launch meeting on Thursday, August 21st, from 10 AM to 2 PM at OMA’s office with SCMWDP Managers (hybrid option will be available).
- Attend 3-4 additional Design Sessions with SCMWDP Managers.
If your organization is interested in participating in this 90-day commitment (August through October), please contact Stephanie Werren.
Ohioans with Disabilities Hiring Event/Job Fair Oct 1
Free to Participate
October is not only Manufacturing Month but it is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Each year during NDEAM there is a local Hiring Event and Job Fair. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 1, from 9 am – noon, at the Hall of Fame Village Center for Performance Dome, located at 1901 Champions Gateway, Canton, OH 44708. Employers are welcome to participate in the Hiring Event, Job Fair, or both. There is no cost to participate. Use the Employer Referral Form to register. For more information contact Ron Klonowski at 330-312-4051 or Ronald.Klonowski@ood.ohio.gov.
2025 SCMWDP Schedule
| August 28 | Member Meeting at Walsh University |
| September 25 | Member Meeting with MAGNET as host at Canton Chamber |
| October 2 | Manufacturing Day – Coordinated High School Field Trips |
| October 13 | Educator Tour |
| October 23 | All members – Manufacturing awards/industry table night |
| November 3 – December 5 | Second Grade Coloring Contest |
| November 14 | Stark County School Counselor meeting at Ohio Gratings |
| November 20 | Board Meeting Only (third week of the month) |
| December | Member Meeting – Possible Holiday mixer |
The SCMWDP newsletter is distributed to member Stark County manufacturers, associate members, education partners, select state officials, local officials and other stakeholders like community-based organizations.
To subscribe and receive other important information from SCMWDP, fill out a FREE member application at SCMWDP Member Application
