Details
August 27, 2026
1:00PM - 2:00PM EST
COMP Roundtable: Expanding Ohio's Manufacturing Workforce Through Second-Chance Talent
Ohio Penal Industries (OPI) & Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)
Virtual
COMP invites manufacturing employers, educators, and workforce partners to join an upcoming Manufacturing Roundtable featuring the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and Ohio Penal Industries (OPI). This virtual meeting will take place on Thursday, August 27 at 1:00pm.
As manufacturers continue to navigate workforce shortages, ODRC and OPI have developed innovative workforce initiatives that prepare incarcerated individuals with technical skills, workplace readiness, and hands-on manufacturing experience prior to reentry into Ohio's workforce. These programs provide employers with an opportunity to learn about an often-overlooked talent pipeline while supporting successful workforce reintegration.
What You'll Learn
- Overview of Ohio Penal Industries and its workforce development mission
- Manufacturing operations and workforce training programs at the London Correctional Institution
- Second Chance hiring strategies and employer success stories
- Opportunities for manufacturers to partner with ODRC and OPI to strengthen their talent pipeline
- Resources and support available to employers interested in recruiting qualified reentry talent
Why Attend?
Ohio manufacturers are continually seeking new strategies to recruit and retain skilled employees. ODRC and OPI offer a unique perspective on workforce development by combining technical training, work experience, and career readiness to prepare individuals for successful employment following release.
This roundtable will provide manufacturers with the opportunity to better understand ODRC's workforce initiatives, explore partnership opportunities, ask questions directly of program leaders, and learn how second-chance employment can become part of a comprehensive workforce strategy.
Featured Discussion
Representatives Joey Newell & Zachary Taubenheim from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and Ohio Penal Industries (OPI) will share an overview of their workforce programs, discuss successful employer partnerships, highlight available resources, and answer questions regarding employer engagement and recruitment opportunities.
Who Should Attend?
- Manufacturing executives
- Human resource professionals
- Operations and plant managers
- Workforce development leaders
- Education and training partners
- Economic development professionals
- Community workforce organizations
We encourage manufacturers interested in expanding their workforce strategies and learning more about Ohio's reentry employment initiatives to join us for this informative discussion.
