The Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (AMC), a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the manufacturing industry in Northwest Ohio, announced it has received $250,000 in grant funding from the State of Ohio. The two separate grants that have been awarded will support a range of initiatives aimed at promoting manufacturing careers and developing a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the region’s growing manufacturing sector.
“We are thrilled to receive this critical funding from the State of Ohio,” said Tori Atkinson, executive director of the AMC. “These grants will enable us to expand our efforts to promote manufacturing careers, provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, and support the development of a robust talent pipeline for our region’s manufacturers.”
Specifically, the grant funding will support the following initiatives:
Expanding the “Career Tree Program” within the K-12 system: This program, currently operating in four school districts, provides students with hands-on experiences and knowledge about manufacturing careers, equipping them with valuable skills applicable across various industries.
Growing Northwest State’s Pre-Apprenticeship offerings: These programs, currently offered in three local school districts, allow high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit for technical courses in areas such as Computer-Aided Design, blueprint reading, industrial electricity, welding, and more. Students also participate in facility tours and job shadowing. This funding will go a long way in expanding this offering to more students representing a larger list of local districts.
Supporting the operation of Northwest State’s EDGE program: This accelerated Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship program enables students to complete a traditional four-year apprenticeship in just two semesters, including job placement services and professional development workshops.
Creating Front Line Supervisor Development Programs: Driven by manufacturer input, these programs will provide free training resources to AMC members, facilitating a smoother transition for employees moving into supervisory roles.
Launching the New American Workforce Program: This initiative will provide foundational skills training and career pathways for the local immigrant and migrant worker population, particularly those with limited English proficiency. These initiatives demonstrate the AMC’s commitment to building a strong and diverse manufacturing workforce in Northwest Ohio. By investing in education, training, and career pathways, the AMC is ensuring that the region’s manufacturing industry continues to thrive and provide valuable opportunities for years to come.
The AMC is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization comprised of manufacturers, education providers, and community-based organizations in Northwest Ohio. The AMC’s mission is to foster collaboration and resource-sharing among its members to improve the local manufacturing industry and economy. The AMC also operates a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation dedicated to promoting and funding programs that raise awareness of the local manufacturing industry and create career pathways. Since its inception in 2015, the AMC has become a vital force in the region, experiencing significant growth post-COVID and securing over $1.4 million in federal and state grant funding since 2022. The AMC’s office is located at Northwest State Community College, facilitating close collaboration with businesses and organizations across the four counties of Northwest Ohio.