Founded in 2007, The Ohio Workforce Coalition (OWC) is Ohio’s oldest workforce-focused, multi-stakeholder coalition. Throughout its history, OWC has been bringing together workforce leaders and stakeholders from across Ohio to promote public policies that build the skills of adult workers, meet the workforce needs of employers, and strengthen workforce systems.

As such, OCW has always represented members from education and training, economic and workforce development, business and industry, community-based workforce organizations, labor, human services, and the public workforce system.

FOUNDING OBJECTIVES
The Ohio Workforce Coalition was initially guided by three overarching goals:

1. Build the skills of Adults Workers by increasing the effectiveness and accountability of workforce development programs and policies to ensure workers have access to high-quality and affordable education and training, work supports, and employment services.

2. Meet the skill needs of employers by increasing the effectiveness and accountability of workforce development programs and policies to ensure employers have access to a skilled, job-ready workforce.

3. Strengthen the workforce system by improving service delivery, streamlining governance, and aligning programs, data, assessment tools, and performance measures in Ohio’s comprehensive workforce development “system”.

HISTORICAL ACTIVITIES
The Ohio Workforce Coalition endeavored to undertake the following activities to accomplish its goals:

1. Information dissemination: Gather and share information about the economic situation and labor market in Ohio, state/federal workforce development initiatives and policy changes, statewide program performance, and specific public policies of interest to the Coalition.

2. Legislative Advocacy: Support state and federal legislation (i.e., authorizing and budgetary measures) that achieves the goals of the Coalition.

3. Administrative Advocacy: Support state and federal administrative decisions (i.e., initiatives, rule-making, governance changes, etc.) that achieve the goals of the Coalition.

TODAY’S FOCUS

The OWC envisions a future for Ohio when Ohioans have equitable access to the supports needed to advance into and along career pathways and racial disparities in employment and earnings are overcome; Ohio’s premier employers are recognized for their quality jobs and receive special consideration when replying to state RFPs, state training applications, and other supports; and Ohio’s state workforce programs and investments are guided by data, informed by local stakeholders, and accountable for equitable results.