The AMC is a collaborative of manufacturers, educators, and community groups tackling industry challenges and promoting local manufacturing careers. They’ve established regular meetings and are beginning to plan AMC-sponsored events and programs.

Before becoming a legal entity in 2021, the AMC operated through a key partnership with Ohio MEP, facilitated by Northwest State Community College. This collaboration with Ohio MEP was instrumental in driving the AMC’s early events and programming, laying the foundation for its future growth and formalization.

Prior to its 2021 formalization, the AMC thrived through a crucial partnership with Ohio MEP, facilitated by Northwest State Community College. This collaboration was vital in launching early events and programming, establishing the groundwork for the AMC’s future development and legal standing.

Northwest State Community College partnered to form the “Cryptic Cyborgs,” a First Robotics Competition (FRC) team for local 9th-12th graders. Students design, build, and program robots for a statewide spring competition, gaining STEM skills and eligibility for over $20 million in scholarships. This 10-year program has engaged over 130 students.

The AMC partnered with Northwest State Community College to create a FIRST Lego League for local 5th-8th graders. This hands-on program cultivates STEM interest and exploration. Now in its 9th year, it has engaged over 60 young participants in science and technology.

The initial gathering of employers, educators, and legislators aimed to collaboratively tackle workforce challenges. This focused roundtable evolved into the AMC’s annual meeting, a key event with speakers and networking, now a vital platform for stakeholders to connect and build solutions for the manufacturing workforce.

To address the manufacturing skills gap, especially in multicraft maintenance, the AMC partnered with Northwest State Community College to expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Leveraging Ohio’s TechCred, which reimburses tech training, they integrated it into apprenticeships. This successful collaboration now sees Northwest State averaging over 100 manufacturing apprentices in skilled trades each semester.

Recognizing the need for faster training, the AMC partnered with NSCC to create the EDGE program. This accelerated pathway condenses four years of industrial maintenance apprenticeship into two semesters. The AMC connects EDGE students with employers for experience, often leading to jobs. The successful pilot of three students now enrolls 8-12 annually.

Building on successful apprenticeships, the AMC partnered with NSCC to create a pre-apprenticeship for high school seniors. Nine students earned college credit, credentials, and paid experience ($18/hour, two afternoons/week). Completing four courses and two credentials, the pilot’s success led to eight state-approved pre-apprenticeship programs.

The AMC achieved official non-profit status at state and federal levels and established a foundation. This milestone unlocks new funding, paving the way for significant growth and expanded impact on Northwest Ohio’s manufacturing sector and workforce development.

Lt. Gov. Husted visited NSCC, praising Ohio’s TechCred. He highlighted how the program, funded by taxpayers, offers quick, credit-bearing credentials. This benefits employers needing talent and workers seeking higher pay and job security, enabling them to achieve their “American dream.”

The AMC’s monthly Proven Workforce Solutions Series offers manufacturers valuable insights from industry experts over complimentary breakfast and networking. These sought-after events, open to members and non-members, foster collaboration and keep the local manufacturing community informed and connected.

The AMC gained significant momentum with an Industry Sector Partnership endorsement from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. This recognition unlocked statewide support and valuable funding, enhancing the AMC’s ability to serve its members and the Northwest Ohio manufacturing community.

The AMC received a $930,000 sub-award from the OMA’s Good Jobs Challenge Grant. This nearly three-year funding will train 70 entry-level individuals from targeted communities and upskill 100 incumbent workers, leading to better jobs and wages, significantly boosting the regional manufacturing workforce.

Building on its high school event, the AMC launched Mini-Manufacturing Day in spring 2023 to introduce middle schoolers to smart manufacturing through hands-on STEM activities. Its popularity led to a two-day format. The AMC anticipates over 400 fifth and sixth graders will participate in 2025, inspiring future skilled workers.

A $171,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation boosted the AMC’s workforce efforts. This funding supports membership growth, expanded pre-apprenticeships, enhanced K-12 outreach, and credentialing for adult learners, solidifying the AMC’s role in meeting Northwest Ohio’s manufacturing workforce needs.

The AMC, using ISP grant funding, expanded pre-apprenticeships to eight state-registered programs. Building on a successful pilot, 24 students from five districts participated in four programs. This initiative creates clear pathways for students to enter manufacturing careers.

Supported by the ISP grant, the AMC created the “Manufacturing Career Tree” for middle schoolers. This turnkey program offers schools a flexible curriculum to explore local manufacturing careers, linking paths to lifestyle, education, and interactive learning, effectively engaging students and sparking their interest.

Supported by Good Jobs and ISP grants, the AMC’s “New American Workforce” program aids immigrant and migrant workers. It combines industry-focused ESL with hands-on technical training, preparing participants for entry-level manufacturing jobs, empowering individuals and diversifying the workforce.

The AMC received $350,000 in state grants to boost Northwest Ohio manufacturing workforce development. The funding will expand K-12 “Career Tree,” grow pre-apprenticeships at Northwest State, support the EDGE program, create supervisor training, and continue the “New American Workforce” program for immigrant workers. This investment strengthens the region’s manufacturing talent pipeline.

The AMC’s Annual Meeting celebrated a decade of workforce development, opportunity, and manufacturing growth. Keynote speaker Sarah Noll Wilson shared strategies for trust and collaboration. The event was supported by sponsors Spangler Candy and Northwest State Community College. The AMC looks forward to another decade of empowering the workforce and strengthening manufacturing.