Industry Demand & Engagement
Manufacturing is a major component of the Ohio economy. Ohio is the third-largest
manufacturing workforce in the nation, according to JobsOhio. In 2016, manufacturing
accounted for over one-sixth (18 percent, or $108 billion) of the state’s economy.
In 2015, manufacturing accounted for 15.1 percent of private-sector employment in
Ohio, second only to health care and social assistance. This represented 19.7 percent
of all private wages paid in the State of Ohio during that period.
According to the Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card (Ball State University, 2013),
Ohio is one of only two states to earn an "A" grade in both manufacturing and logistics
and receive an “A” grade in global reach. From 2017 to 2027, five manufacturing subsectors
are expected to grow in Ohio: food manufacturing, beverage and tobacco products, wood
products, petroleum and coal products, and computer and electronic product manufacturing,
according to Emsi. Since 2010, Ohio’s manufacturing employment in these sectors has
increased by 14 percent.
Work-based learning is the key concept driving the EARN project. The project focuses
on activities in the career training stage, when students are applying skills to a
specific occupation. However, it will touch on other stages as appropriate.