ABOVE: Students in the program have the opportunity to work and earn in Deceuninck’s plant in Monroe.
In Ohio and across the country, there’s a widening gap between the manufacturing jobs that need to be filled and the skilled talent pool capable of filling them. A 2018 study by Deloitte (a financial, consulting and risk management company) and the Manufacturing Institute revealed that the skills gap may leave an estimated 2.4 million positions unfilled over the next 10 years, with a potential economic impact of $2.5 trillion. The study also found positions relating to digital talent, skilled production and operational managers may be three times as difficult to fill in the next three years. “There are multiple advantages to this program,” says Cathy Bishop-Clark, associate provost and dean of Miami University’s regional campuses. “Employers get more consistency in their entry-level workforce. Participants learn both technical and soft skills, and they can potentially create a pathway to a career if they perform well.” The program also addresses the persistent issue of college affordability and student loan debt. National figures show that the costs to students and their parents associated with higher education have increased substantially over the last 35 years, rising several times higher than the general rate of inflation over the same period of time. The substantial rise in higher educa-
William P. Coley II
Gregory Crawford
tion tuition has led to a similar rise in student loan debt. In 2013, outstanding student loan debt nationally was well over $1 trillion, surpassing—for the first time ever—the amount of outstanding credit card debt. And although Ohio’s four-year institutions in recent years have limited in-state tuition increases, Ohio’s universities have the 12th-highest average cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees, according to the state’s Department of Higher Education. And the state’s community colleges have the 16th-highest prices, the department says. Crawford, Miami University’s president, hopes other universities and businesses will watch how the Work+ program succeeds and join it, bringing its benefits to more students and employers. “I think it’s going to be a model template that can propagate throughout Ohio and deliver a great workforce that Ohio needs right now,” he says.
Natasha Williams
In-state tuition and fees at Miami’s regional campuses amount to $3,143 for students entering school in the fall of 2019. The program is an extension of Deceuninck’s tuition reimbursement program, says Amy Padgett, the company’s North America vice president of human resources. “We see this as a unique opportunity to not only grow and develop our workforce but also give back in our community in a measurable way,” she says. “Work+ will give even more students an exciting career path. They gain hands-on experience in a large manufacturing organization while earning a wage and getting their tuition paid. It’s a win-win.” She says students will benefit by having increased awareness of job requirements and career opportunities, while local companies will have greater access to more skilled workers. Crawford says the Work+ program has been in development for about a year. n w w w.ohiobusinessmag.com . FA L L 2 0 19
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