Workforce Testimony, House Committee on Economic and Workforce Development

Summary

Testimony of Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency, to Chairman Edwards, Ranking Member Upchurch, Vice Chair Powell and the House Committee on Economic and Workforce Development, on Ohio’s workforce development initiatives. It describes the Office of Workforce Transformation and the Export Internship Program, which it says has involved 315 students and 198 companies since its inception in 2013, and a Diversity and Inclusion Internship program funded by Ohio Third Frontier. It also mentions $15 million to support targeted workforce development efforts in economically distressed rural and urban communities. A $200 million community infrastructure program would give communities an additional $500,000 in funding if the project contains a workforce training program.

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Workforce Testimony:

Chairman Edwards, Ranking Member Upchurch, Vice Chair Powell, and members of the House
Committee on Economic and Workforce Development, thank you for the opportunity to offer
testimony on Ohio’s workforce development initiatives. My name is Lydia Mihalik, and I am the
Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency.

As I mentioned last week, Ohio’s economic development strategy leverages Ohio’s assets: a
strong business climate, low cost of living, and access to a skilled workforce. The DeWine-
Husted administration is dedicated to ensuring Ohio continues to have the workforce to meet
the needs of businesses, especially in technology driven industries.

As a member of the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board, I can tell you we have a dedicated
board and staff working to find innovative solutions to keep Ohio’s workforce competitive in
today’s economy. The Office of Workforce Transformation connects Ohio’s businesses, training,
and education communities to meet the training needs of job seekers and businesses. The
Office coordinates with state agencies and state and local partners to identify solutions that will
build a skilled, productive workforce.

Tackling workforce demands in a competitive and changing economy requires more than any
one agency. Ensuring Ohio remains a destination for companies seeking a skilled workforce
takes partnership and collaboration. That’s why Development works closely with other state
agencies, our business community, and educational institutions across Ohio to administer
programs that will not only prepare our students for careers in in demand industries but also
help businesses train their current workforce.

Working with The Ohio State University, University of Dayton, Cleveland State University, and
Youngstown State University, we administer the Export Internship Program. The universities
recruit the students, Development recruits the small businesses and together we match
students with a business for an internship. Since its inception in 2013, 315 students and 198
companies have participated in the program, many of the companies participating year over
year. Ninety-six internships have been extended, and 49 positions created.

The Diversity and Inclusion Internship program, funded by Ohio Third Frontier, help companies
fill their technology needs by matching them with diverse college students across all areas of
study ranging from marketing and design, to engineering, mathematics, and software
development. Interns create mobile apps, build out websites, develop social media platforms to
connect with new customers, conduct market research, data analysis, and product design, and
implement new software to modernize accounting, operations, and enhance cybersecurity. In
2020, 212 students and 134 companies participated in the program.

In coordination with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, we have held seven
rounds of the TechCred program and passed our goal of funding 10,000 credentials. To date,
the program has funded more than 19,000 credentials to help Ohio businesses upskill their
workforce.

The Individual Microcredential Assistance Program, or IMAP, coordinate training providers,
universities, colleges, and technical centers to provide training opportunities to Ohioans that are
underemployed or unemployed. Individuals earn technology-focused credentials that may help
them secure new employment opportunities. The program currently has 11 training providers
and 54 training programs, of which 37 programs can be completed virtually.
We have also developed Industry Sector Partnerships to create regional or industry-specific
workforce strategies with the goal of connecting businesses, education and training providers,
and local stakeholders.

Choose Ohio First program supports scholarship programs in the science, technology,
engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) fields at Ohio colleges and universities.

Engaging our students in workforce development programs early is essential to fostering their
talents and keeping them working here in Ohio. We need to show them the good jobs that are
right here in Ohio and to help them develop the skills needed to secure in-demand jobs. Last
week, the Third Frontier Commission approved funding for the High School Tech Internship Pilot
Program. With assistance from the Ohio Department of Education Business Advisory Councils
and Career-Technical Education Planning Districts, the state will place high school students in
technology roles that focus on software, data, cloud and IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
Students will be expected to perform job duties similar to what would be expected in an entry-
level position. We will get these students a foot in the door for STEM-related jobs and hopefully
keep them working here in Ohio.

The Governor’s budget proposal also included workforce development initiatives. A partnership
between the Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation
creates Industry-Recognized Credentials for high school students to allow our high school
students to earn in-demand, technology focused credentials while in high school. This puts our
high school students on a career path earlier and at no cost to their family.

It also includes $15 million to support targeted workforce development efforts in economically
distressed rural and urban communities. And, in the $200 million community infrastructure
program, communities will qualify for an additional $500,000 in funding if the project contains a
workforce training program.

Development and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation are dedicated to
coordinating the state’s workforce development initiatives. Together we will ensure Ohio meets
the needs of the business community and continues to have a dedicated, skilled workforce for
years to come.

Thank you for your time today. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.


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