In response to challenges related to attracting, hiring, training and retaining a qualified workforce, a core group of manufacturers is taking action. The group has formed the Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership (SCMWDP), a collaboration of area manufacturers and stakeholders.
The goal of the SCMWDP is to support Stark County manufacturers’ growth and expansion by offering seamless career pathways, delivering inclusive training and education, and sharing best practices within the manufacturing workforce development community which including manufacturers, workforce development professionals, economic development organizations, educators, and community-based organizations.
The SCWDP manufacturing members pride themselves in being good stewards of our environment and our community, bringing innovation, technology, careers, and advancement opportunities to the industry, its workforce, and all of Stark County.
Founding member manufacturers include Barbco, H-P Products, Gregory Industries, Lindsey Precast, MK Morse, MT Systems, and QuickDraft. The partnership officers include James Batchelder from MK Morse as President, Thomas Schmidt from Barbco as Vice President, and executive members Mike Hoffman from Lindsey Precast and Allen Green from H-P Products.
A community stakeholder meeting will be held March 11 with a call for participation for two priorities which include manufacturing career navigating/coaching and a launch of an advocacy and marketing campaign with a message that manufacturing is a viable career pathway in Stark County.
The partnership was formed through collective efforts by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stark Economic Development Board and MAGNET.
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The Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership (SCMWDP) is an industry-led, regional collaboration of manufacturers and other stakeholders who have come together to address the talent shortage in Stark County. Also known as an industry sector partnership, SCMWDP was organized to ensure that manufacturers have a voice and an active role in identifying the needs and solving the challenges related to attracting, hiring, training, and retaining a qualified workforce. We will work with other workforce development providers, programs, and initiatives in Stark County, aligning and supporting efforts rather than recreating or duplicating what already works.