Lorain Co. Manufacturing Sector Partnership gets state grant

The Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership has been awarded an Industry Sector Partnership grant by the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation. The grant was one of 13 totaling $2.45 million announced by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted on Tuesday. The program "supports local collaborations that help bring Ohioans into the workforce pipeline while meeting the needs of job creators and the local economy," according to a news release. "The selected partnerships will focus on multiple in-demand industry sectors including information technology, manufacturing, health care, transportation and aerospace. Michael Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership, said his organization "serves as a bridge between regional employers and community resources and is dedicated to the goal of promoting the education, recruitment, and retention of a skilled manufacturing workforce." "This grant will fuel collaboration between manufacturing businesses, education and training providers, and other community leaders who are invested in improving their region's workforce and filling critical jobs," he wrote in a statement to The Chronicle-Telegram. "These funds will be braided with support from the EDA's Good Job Challenge to strengthen our ability to identify, recruit, train and support workers who are entering the manufacturing workforce or considering a shift into this in-demand industry." "LCMSP is pleased by the continued support of the Ohio Department of Development. This award signifies their recognition of our past efforts and impact and demonstrates the understanding that these funds will continue to secure sustainable careers for our citizens and skilled workers needed for our local economy," Fitzpatrick wrote. Industry Sector Partnerships are designed to develop regional workforce strategies, with the goal of driving collaboration between local businesses, education and training providers, and community stakeholders. These grants will help support the operations of both new and existing Industry Sector Partnerships around Ohio, according to the Office of Workforce Transformation. "These grants are particularly effective because local partners are making the decisions that will benefit their communities," Ohio Department of Development Lydia Mihalik said in the news release. "Workers benefit because training programs are built around the specific needs of businesses in their areas." Ohio has invested nearly $7.5 million in Industry Sector Partnerships over the last three years, according to the state.