Sinclair360

Ohio’s efforts to prepare the most educated and highly skilled workforce possible led to the formation of Ohio Skills Bank (OSB), a statewide initiative led by the Ohio Board of Regents, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services. A data and employer-driven program, OSB focuses on creating the skilled workforce needed by industries identified as “economic drivers” in each of the state’s 12 economic-development regions. Dayton is part of Region 4, which includes Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Shelby counties.

 Sinclair Community College’s Dave Landom is the Region 4 OSB coordinator. In this role Landom works with regional employers, the community and education partners to examine regional workforce data. First data is evaluated to identify high-wage occupations within regional growth industries and the skills required for these occupations. Next data is evaluated to understand the education and training programs available, as well as the capacity of these programs to meet the projected demand.

 As gaps are identified, OSB provides the region the ability to apply for state funding, to develop and implement education and training programs to prepare individuals for these high-wage, high-skilled positions. Having such funding available enables each region to respond quickly to market demand, with targeted education and training solutions to fill identified skill gaps.

By Gary Honnert

Gary Honnert is marketing communications manager of Workforce Development & Corporate Services. He has more than 35 years’ experience in broadcasting, public relations and nonprofit community relations.