YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition widened its reach as a workforce development organization in 2024 with meaningful achievements that set the stage for transformative growth in 2025.
MVMC added 17 organizations – bringing membership to 71 manufacturers from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties – as well as nearly 50 associate members, educators and community partners.
A change of leadership also came in early 2024. Alex Hertzer was promoted to executive director following the departure of Jessica Borza, who is now managing director of workforce services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association.
“Our efforts this past year set the stage for even greater impact,” Hertzer says. “We’ve built programs that connect young people, job seekers and employers, creating opportunities to grow the region’s talent pipeline and prepare for the future of manufacturing.”
Programs set to be launched in earnest this year include MFG Explore and MFG Ready.
MFG Explore is being piloted in Brookfield and is aimed at middle school students to learn about manufacturing careers.
MFG Ready bridges high school students directly with manufacturing internships and career opportunities. It is being piloted at East Liverpool High School and local employer Marsh Bellofram.
Overall, MVMC youth outreach activities reached 10,427 students from elementary through high school in 2024, a record high.
“By engaging students at every stage of their education, we’re not just introducing them to the possibilities within manufacturing, we’re inspiring the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of our industry,” Hertzer says.
Through the federally funded Good Jobs Challenge initiative, WorkAdvance continues to flourish in Youngstown and Warren. This program targets inexperienced and untapped talent populations to prepare individuals for sustainable careers in manufacturing.
WorkAdvance has been refreshed for 2025. Classes are now four weeks instead of three and include a hands-on dimensional tolerancing class plus refined job readiness training based on employer feedback.
MVMC also introduced its Fair Chance Hiring Guide and individual assessment to ensure more inclusive opportunities for jobseekers who are justice-impacted.
Statewide, MVMC led the Super RAPIDS grant process, helping the state select workforce training providers in northeastern Ohio to receive funding.
Plans for 2025 include:
- Continuing to drive the Auto and Advanced Mobility strategy by creating programs and collaborations to address critical technician roles, while partnering with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association to update the competency model with local manufacturers’ endorsements.
- Expanding access to apprenticeship programs, TechCred funding and networking opportunities to help manufacturers address workforce challenges.
- Deepening partnerships with educational and workforce organizations across Ohio and Pennsylvania – including the ongoing mentorship of the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition.
“MVMC’s strategic efforts in 2025 will build on its successes to support a robust manufacturing workforce in the Mahoning Valley,” Hertzer says.
Pictured at top: Foxconn welcomed to its Lordstown plant 70 students from Trumbull Career and Technical Center on Oct. 3, 2024, in celebration of Manufacturing Day.