Looking Forward Our Way

99 Ohio's Workforce Evolution and Opportunities Ahead

In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Kelly Fuller, Vice President of Talent and Workforce Development at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. This insightful conversation delves into the innovative strategies employed by businesses in Central Ohio to tap into underutilized workforce pools, such as older adults and immigrant communities.

The discussion highlights the importance of multigenerational workplaces, the challenges faced by students and job seekers amidst the pandemic, and the abundance of opportunities in Central Ohio.

**Engaging Older Workers:**

The episode opens with the story of a third-generation owner of a small manufacturing company in Northwest Ohio, who faced challenges in hiring young workers for well-paying factory jobs. Responding to this dilemma, the owner devised a pioneering strategy of engaging retired workers from the company to work part-time, thereby facilitating the mentorship and training of young employees. This approach underscores the benefits of multigenerational workplaces in knowledge transfer and skill development.

The hosts and Kelly Fuller explore the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reflects a growing number of older adults seeking part-time work and flexibility, shedding light on the potential for businesses to integrate older workers into their staffing strategies.

**Empowering Immigrant Communities:**

The conversation continues with a focus on businesses in Central Ohio that have forged strong relationships with refugee and immigrant communities to address workforce challenges. The example of AmerisourceBergen in Lockbourne is highlighted, where deliberate efforts were made to appeal to diverse candidates through marketing materials, cultural accommodations, and community engagement.

The episode emphasizes the availability of resources, such as the HRACO (Human Resource Association of Central Ohio), Jewish Family Services, CRIS, and Riverview International Center, which support employers in connecting with and supporting refugee and immigrant communities.

**Training and Upskilling Programs:**

The episode explores the various low-cost or no-cost training programs available for job seekers in Central Ohio, offered by entities like Ohio Technical Centers, Columbus Metropolitan Library, and Jewish Family Services. Notably, the Columbus Metropolitan Library's provision of free access to LinkedIn learning courses and accommodations for starting a business or nonprofit is highlighted.

The Ohio Small Business Development Centers and programs like Accelerate in Columbus are also showcased as valuable resources for individuals interested in entrepreneurship.

**Employer Support and Local Opportunities:**

Insights are shared regarding the availability of programs and services offered by local resources such as ECDI and the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, which aid employers in recruiting, training, and expanding their businesses.

**Impact of Pandemic on Education and Workforce Readiness:**

The episode shifts to a discussion on the impact of the pandemic on K-12 education, focusing on the learning loss and lack of social skills faced by students. The closure of opportunities for part-time jobs, mentoring, and internships for high school juniors and seniors is explored, imparting an understanding of the challenges faced by students amidst the pandemic.

**Fostering Inclusive Hiring Practices:**

The conversation delves...