The SCMWDP Impact
We have a great story to tell in our 2025 Annual Report!
Not only do we include a review of 2025 program highlights, but we also give a history of how the SCMWDP programming has grown by the numbers since our founding in June of 2021.
Click here for access to the Annual Report and learn how we are making a difference by increasing the capacity and influencing Stark County’s current and future manufacturing workforce.
Together We Are Stronger!
You and Your Company’s Efforts Matter
The SCMWDP Annual Report lists the number of second graders, middle school students, high school students, educators, and under/unemployed we have engaged with through SCMWDP programming. We have many members and organizations that support and augment these programs through their own efforts.
One company, Ohio Gratings, Inc. has reached thousands of students, teachers, and administrators in 2025. Here are a few of their programs, efforts and statistics:
- 18+ school districts visited well over 100 times
- 16+ schools visited and toured OGI with over 500 visitors
- 30+ student’s job shadowed or interned at OGI (some are still with OGI)
- 100+ of student’s interviewed and 28 are hired as seniors right now
- 20+ Career/Job/Opportunity School Fairs attended
- Dozens of scrap metal deliveries to welding schools along with equipment donations, repairs and services
- 14+ School Advisory Board meetings attended
- Malone University Welding program kicked off and educationally supported and
- Almost 4000 2nd graders received an Ohio Gratings themed book, and many were read to by our associates.
As you can see, one company can make a huge difference in touchpoints in promoting manufacturing as a viable career pathway. Every company’s efforts matter! Every manufacturing champion in your organization matters! The SCMWDP can help make these connections with your organization. Please contact SCMWDP at info@starkmanufacturing.org if you are interested in augmenting your efforts in promoting manufacturing career pathways.
SCMWDP Well Represented at OMA Conference
“It was such an honor to kickoff the conference and greet the hundreds in attendance,” stated Shaun. This honor demonstrates OMA’s recognition of Shaun’s engagement and contribution at a state level, SCMWDP’s successful programing, and SCMWDP support of OMA’s initiatives.
The SCMWDP was well represented at November’s Ohio Manufacturing Association’s Workforce Summit. Shaun Eller, the SCMWDP Board President and CBO from Ohio Gratings Inc., introduced the first Keynote speaker.
SCMWDP President Shaun Eller and Good Jobs Challenge Manager, Stephanie Werren, attended the workshops, panel discussions, and presentations and networked with advanced manufacturing leaders from across Ohio.
Happy New Year
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re grateful for the progress made through collaboration with members, partners, stakeholders and community allies.
The results are a direct reflection of our shared passion to build a strong manufacturing workforce in Stark County.
2026 Proposed Schedule …….
is being finalized with more details to come soon!
We are firming up plans for new locations across the county for manufacturing plant tours and other site visits with stakeholders. The first all member meeting will be the end of February.
