Developing Northeast Ohio’s Next Generation of Manufacturers

Posted by ThePlus - 11.22.2011

Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing industry is growing. In fact, it is growing faster than any other sector in the region (Team NEO). What does this growth mean for Northeast Ohioans? Jobs! Not just jobs, but high-tech, well-paying jobs. On average, advanced manufacturing careers pay 23 percent more than positions in other fields (MAGNET). As manufacturing companies seek skilled employees to fill open positions, they are looking to target a younger demographic.

While Northeast Ohio has a rich tradition in manufacturing, much of the current workforce is nearing retirement age. That is why developing the next generation of manufacturers is so important for our region. To aid in this cause, the recently announced Steelworker for the Future program seeks to prepare students for high-tech, well-paying manufacturing careers.

Steelworker for the Future is a 2.5 year cooperative work-study program made possible by ArcelorMittal Cleveland, the United Steelworkers Local 979 and Lakeland Community College. The program, offered at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, will guide students to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in one of two concentrations: Industrial Electronics and Maintenance and Repair. The Steelworker for the Future program will begin in the spring 2012 semester.

While the Steelworker for the Future program is a recent example of the efforts underway to turn young adults onto careers in manufacturing, there are a number of initiatives aiding in this cause. MAGNET, the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network, has been a major advocate in this area, offering an array of resources for those considering a manufacturing career. For more on MAGNET’s work, visit www.magnetwork.org/education/students.htm.

As Northeast Ohio recovers from the latest economic downturn at a faster rate than the rest of the nation, manufacturing is playing a major role. The creation of programs like Steelworker for the Future along with the work being done at organizations such as MAGNET show just how vital manufacturing is to our region’s ongoing success.

If you would like to learn more about the Steelworker for the Future program, please visit www.steelworkerforthefuture.com/.

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