Contact your Senator to Help Us Secure Federal Workforce Funding

Take Immediate Action  

The funding we depend on to serve local employers and job seekers is in jeopardy. Please contact the offices of Senators Brown and Vance as soon as possible and ask them to “put a hold on the bill called A Stronger Workforce for America Act” (ASWA). State that the reason you would like them to put a hold on the bill is because there are major concerns with it that need resolving before it goes to a vote. In particular, these provisions in the bill would harm our ability to serve our community at the level of service we are providing now: 

• Providing for only a 3% increase to funding in year one, then flat-funding for the next four years doesn’t begin to dig us out of the hole of being flat-funded for the past 10 years 
• Increasing the amount of funds governors can hold back from local workforce boards from 15% to 25% means less funds to help our community members 
• Mandating that at least 42% of funds must go to training takes away our ability to pivot as local needs evolve and change 

Statement about the Brent Spence Bridge Project from the Executive Director Beth Yoke on Behalf of the Board of Directors 

The $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is a once-in-a-century infrastructure project for Greater Cincinnati. Hundreds of workers will be needed over the life of the estimated 8 years it will take to complete the work. This presents a unique opportunity for our local businesses and job seekers.  

As the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio, we are uniquely positioned to spearhead the recruitment and training efforts for this monumental project. We are excited about this chance to connect with others in the local workforce ecosystem to recruit and train individuals to work on the bridge project. Together, we can ensure that local community members are qualified for the jobs needed for the project and that local community members get hired.  

Submit Your Nomination for the Workforce Champion Awards!  

Looking for a way to recognize a colleague or an organization for their contributions to the workforce ecosystem in 2024? Our Workforce Champion Awards nomination form is available now through Dec. 16! 

These awards recognize individuals, teams, and organizations for outstanding workforce development achievements in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. We are looking forward to recognizing award winners at the Workforce Council’s Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast on Feb. 13, 2025.  

All award winners and their nominators will be invited to the event. Self-nominations are permitted. Learn more and nominate today! 

Marketing campaign and commercial now live for Broadband initiative 

This week kicks off a marketing campaign with FOX19 for the QUEST grant-funded project. Look for ads on broadcast TV, streaming services, the FOX19 website, and emails. The purpose of the campaign is to recruit individuals to work in the broadband industry and raise awareness of free training that is available for those who qualify. Learn more at cincyworkforce.org/broadband  

Save the date: February 2025 Board Meeting 

8 – 10 a.m. Meeting 

Forest Park Branch Library 

660 Northland Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45240 

Walsh Kokosing issues an ITB for Longworth Hall Demo/Construction 

The Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team shared the following with the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio: 

“The Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team believes that engaging with local and diverse businesses enhances their projects and strengthens the communities where they operate, including the Brent Spence Bridge project.  

“The Longworth Hall construction project will consist of the demolition of 204 feet of the east end of the building structure and the construction of a wall to maintain the building’s integrity. The project included in this scope is expected to start on or about February 24, 2025.” 

Find the invitation to bid on their website, and the proposal due date is Jan. 23, 2025. 

New Report Shows How Much First Jobs Matter 

Nearly one in five workers without a degree out-earn the median college graduate, and around two million non-degree workers earn over $100,000 per year, according to a new report from the American Student Assistance® and Burning Glass Institute. The research, which tracked the career paths of millions of non-degree workers, found systematic patterns of success, with the first job out of high school a crucial choice.   

Employer Insights on Digital Credentials and Skills Profiles 

A new report describes what employers said they need to make better use of these Learning and Employment Records and makes recommendations for credential providers.  

In this report, learn about a qualitative study conducted by UpSkill America, an initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program on behalf of Western Governors University.

You can read the report here and watch a conversation between Courtney Hills McBeth, chief academic officer and provost at WGU, and Haley Glover, senior director at UpSkill America and report author. 

Recruiting Business Partners: Join Supply Chain OKI’s initiative #MyCareerAspirations 

From President of Supply Chain OKI and Workforce Council Board Member Jesse Simmons  

I am happy to share that as President of Supply Chain OKI, we are recruiting business partners to join our initiative #MyCareerAspirations. The goal of this initiative is to help students 9-12th grade in select high schools in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana learn about and prepare for jobs and careers in #construction, #healthcare, #supplychain, and #manufacturing. Further, our goal from this initiative is to help businesses meet their current and emerging workforce needs. This goal will be accomplished by working directly with high schools to increase awareness and prepare students.   

I am reaching out and asking that you consider joining us so more students in our program will have jobs with career opportunities in #construction, #heathcare, #manufacturing, and #supplychain.  

If you are interested in learning more and participating, please reach out to me at jesse.simmons@supplychainoki.com. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration! 

Upcoming event: Manufacturing Reshoring & Implications for the US Labor Market Forum  

Hosted by: Asia Chamber of America  

Register for this ticketed event focusing on the reshoring of manufacturing jobs and the impact on the US workforce. Learn about the latest trends and strategies in bringing manufacturing back to the United States.   

Date: Dec. 12, 2024  

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM  

Location: Sharonville

Price: $150

Free Resource: Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Employer Toolkit 

Register for free to access tools and resources for understanding and investing in your lower-wage workforce. On average, companies are spending more than $2,000 in turnover costs per entry-level position. There is a competitive advantage for an organization that succeeds in retaining and motivating lower-wage employees.  

Created through extensive research, the Employer Toolkit is a collection of over 60 workplace policies that can help support, stabilize, and retain lower-wage employees.  

Youth Success Story from Santa Maria  

Diamond came to our agency with a clear goal of entering the healthcare field, determined to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Her journey started by earning her CNA, but she didn’t stop there. She worked hard, went through the State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) program, and passed the exam with flying colors. Now, she proudly holds the title of STNA. She’s actively working at a nursing home, where she loves her job. She’s passionate about providing care to her patients and has found real fulfillment in this role. It’s incredible to see how far she’s come, and she’s thriving in the environment in such a short period of 4 months. She’s currently working on getting her temporary license, which will allow her to attend driving school. This is the next chapter in her journey toward gaining even more independence and control over her future. She’s focused on continuing her growth, both personally and professionally. Congratulations, Diamond! 

Contact us! 

Beth Yoke, Executive Director: 513-694-0789 

Elaine Fay, Business & Community Relations Manager: 513-694-0733 

Pamela Massey, MSW, LSW, Senior Program Manager: 513-694-0028 

Karen Saterfield, Administrative Assistant: 513-694-0815 

Libby Scott, Communications & Marketing Manager: 513-694-0787