Governor DeWine Announces $3.2 Million in Grants to Expand Access to Career Tech Manufacturing Programs
Career Technical Education Access Grant will help schools add equipment, instructors, and hands-on training for in-demand manufacturing jobs
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin today announced the availability of $3.2 million in grant funding to help more Ohio schools create, expand, or improve career technical education programs in manufacturing.
The Career Technical Education Access Grant is being offered through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). The grants will help schools develop programs that teach students the skills needed for modern manufacturing careers – including hands-on training with industry equipment and instruction aligned with the needs of employers.
“Ohio’s manufacturing industry is growing, and we need to make sure our students are ready to fill the jobs that are coming,” said Governor DeWine. “It is critical that we continue our work to invest in career technical education through things like this grant program – which will help many students discover new passions for the rewarding opportunities available to them in manufacturing.”
“The demand for career technical education continues to grow across Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “Opportunity is everywhere in our state right now – especially in manufacturing, which remains one of Ohio’s most in-demand industries. We need skilled workers who are ready to step into these good-paying manufacturing jobs. This grant will help more students get the training and hands-on experience they need to achieve their goals.”
DEW plans to fund at least 10 projects across the state, awarding up to $320,000 per project. Grant funding may be used to support a variety of program needs, including:
- Hiring licensed manufacturing instructors
- Purchasing machinery, tools, and classroom equipment
- Developing curriculum and instructional materials aligned with industry needs
- Recruiting students into new or expanded programs
- Building partnerships with local manufacturers for job-shadowing, internships, and work-based learning
Programs funded through the grant will incorporate OMA’s WorkAdvance model, which provides manufacturing trainees across Ohio a step-by-step support system that combines classroom learning, hands-on technical training, employer partnerships, and other support services to help them stay on track and succeed.
Eligible applicants include lead districts in Career Technical Planning Districts applying to offer new satellite programs in local school districts, community schools, or STEM schools where manufacturing programs do not currently exist, as well as Ohio Technical Centers.
The grant provides successful applicants an aggressive two-year timeframe to build and launch their programs. During the 2026-2027 school year, schools will focus on planning and development, including hiring instructors, purchasing equipment, and building partnerships with local employers. Programs will launch by the start of the 2027-2028 school year.
“The grant is designed to expand access to manufacturing career pathways and accelerate getting programs in place in Ohio schools,” said Director Dackin. “Whether it’s an instructional need or lack of equipment, schools may have specific hurdles to starting a manufacturing pathway and these funds can be used to identify those needs, expand capacity, and ensure a program is operational. We appreciate the support and expertise from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, which has been an incredible partner in this work.”
“The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association commends the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for recognizing the success of the WorkAdvance model and expanding it into high school and adult education systems,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “This effort builds on the momentum of Ohio’s Industry Sector Partnerships and strengthens an employer-driven approach to preparing students and workers for high-skill, high-wage careers. It also advances the goals of our Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint to better-align education with industry demand. We are proud to partner in strengthening talent pipelines, supporting employers, and connecting more Ohioans to meaningful career opportunities.”
OMA and DEW have worked closely to ensure the new training programs that will be supported by this grant funding will reflect the skills that employers need most. The approach aims to connect education and industry partners to help learners prepare for entry-level manufacturing jobs and future career growth.
More information about the grant opportunity, including application requirements and deadlines, is available at: Education.ohio.gov/CTE-Access-Grant.
The Career Technical Education Access Grant is the latest example of the DeWine Administration’s continued commitment to expanding career technical education opportunities for students across Ohio. As Ohio continues to attract new businesses and job-creating investments, the administration has made workforce preparation a priority by helping schools strengthen and grow programs that lead directly to in-demand careers.
Under the leadership of Governor DeWine, and with the support of the Ohio General Assembly, the state invested $300 million dollars between the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant and Career Technical Education Construction Grant programs to build new career tech facilities, expand existing ones, and allow schools to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment. These two programs alone have opened up 10,000 new seats for career tech students in Ohio.
Additionally, in August 2025, Governor DeWine and DEW announced another $7.1 million investment to enhance career-connected learning and career planning statewide through newly formed Career Pathway Support Networks.
About OMA’s WorkAdvance Model
OMA’s WorkAdvance model is a workforce development approach designed to help individuals prepare for and succeed in manufacturing careers. The model combines targeted outreach and recruitment, career readiness training, hands-on technical training aligned with employer needs, work-based learning opportunities, and job placement support. WorkAdvance also includes wraparound services – such as help with transportation or childcare – and continued coaching after employment to help participants stay on track and advance in their careers. Click here to see WorkAdvance success stories.
Additional Media Contacts
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Lacey Snoke, Chief Communications Officer
614-995-1855
Lacey.Snoke@education.ohio.gov
Chad Eberly, Deputy Chief of Communications
614-466-4839
Chad.Eberly@education.ohio.gov
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