This article explores how Ohio workforce development is being transformed by GE Aerospace’s Lifting Futures initiative, what it means for merit shop construction employers, and how local programs are responding to new challenges. It is intended for Ohio contractors, workforce professionals, and anyone interested in the future of skilled trades in the region. Addressing workforce shortages and competition for talent in Ohio is more critical than ever, as both national and regional trends are reshaping the landscape for employers and job seekers alike.

Key Takeaways

• The Association for Career and Technical Education projects a 6.5 million-skilled-worker deficit nationally by 2030.
• ABC Ohio Valley estimates a 60,000-worker construction shortage across its 40+ county footprint—now competing head-to-head with aerospace for Gen Z and career-changer talent.
• GE Aerospace Foundation’s $30 million Lifting Futures program selects Cincinnati-Dayton as one of five inaugural locations, with the goal of training 10,000 advanced manufacturing workers by 2030.
• At least $500,000 flows into the region through Cincinnati State and United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Future of Manufacturing Fund.
• The TOOLS Program, nine-trade apprenticeship infrastructure at Diamond Oaks and Sinclair, and the Gen Z initiative position member firms to compete.

These highlights set the stage for understanding how Lifting Futures is reshaping Ohio’s workforce landscape.

Ohio Workforce Development in 2026: Why Lifting Futures Changes the Game

Ohio workforce development is entering a new era with GE Aerospace Foundation’s $30 million Lifting Futures program, announced on April 22, 2026, by Chairman H. Lawrence Culp. This initiative is reshaping the state workforce ecosystem and intensifying the focus on skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.

National and Regional Workforce Challenges

The Association for Career and Technical Education projects a 6.5 million-skilled-worker deficit nationally by 2030. The Aerospace Industries Association reports that 76% of aerospace companies struggle to find engineering talent, while 56% face gaps in skilled manufacturing. In the Ohio Valley, ABC Ohio Valley estimates a 60,000-worker construction shortage across its 40+ county footprint, highlighting the urgent need for new talent pipelines.

Competition for Talent in Ohio

For Ohio Valley contractors, this creates dual realities: rising construction demand from I-75 corridor facility expansions, and intensified competition for the same job seekers that ApprenticeOhio (which facilitates earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship programs combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction in high-demand fields) and OhioMeansJobs centers (a statewide network of centers in every county providing free career services, including resume building, skills assessments, and job matching for job seekers and employers) connect to employment opportunities. The Office of Workforce Development, which connects learners with career opportunities and aligns educational programs with workforce needs, is at the center of these efforts. Construction must now compete equally with aerospace and other industries for the next generation of skilled workers.

ABC Ohio Valley’s Strategic Response

ABC Ohio Valley’s response includes several key programs and resources:

• TOOLS Program: CURT-recognized, providing youth in local schools with exposure to construction careers.
• Nine-Trade Apprenticeships at Diamond Oaks and Sinclair, covering:
  • Electrical
  • HVAC
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry
  • Sheet Metal
  • Welding
  • Pipefitting
  • Painting
  • Masonry
• Gen Z Initiative: Relaunched to attract and engage younger workers.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Offers $1,200–$9,600 for hiring from target groups.

Employers gain access to these resources to help them compete for talent and build a sustainable workforce pipeline.

Statewide Workforce Development Programs and Resources

Ohio offers a robust array of workforce development programs and resources to support employers and job seekers:

• OhioMeansJobs: A statewide network of centers in every county providing free career services, including resume building, skills assessments, and job matching.
• ApprenticeOhio: Facilitates earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship programs in high-demand fields, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
• Office of Workforce Development: Connects learners with career opportunities and aligns educational programs with workforce needs.
• TechCred: Reimburses employers up to $2,000 per employee for short-term, technology-focused credentials, with a potential of up to $180,000 annually.
• Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP): Allows low-income Ohioans to participate in training programs and receive tech-focused microcredentials at no cost.
• Aspire: Provides free services in all 88 counties to help adults acquire foundational skills, including basic math, reading, writing, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
• Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP): Offers tailored support, including career coaching and tuition assistance, for low-income young adults ages 14–24.
• Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs): Offer customizable, labor market-driven education and industry-recognized credentials for adult learners.
• Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG): Helps young people complete their education and transition to employment with a livable wage through life skills and workforce training.
• WorkOhio: Provides personalized support and connects job seekers with resources to explore high-demand careers in their specific region.

These statewide programs, in partnership with local initiatives, are designed to align academic programs with real-world workforce demands, enhance employability, and provide supportive services such as transportation, childcare, and tools to help disadvantaged job seekers maintain employment.

Given these challenges and opportunities, here’s how you can take action:

Your mission started now: Contact VP of Education Wendy Harris to create apprenticeship slots, engage TOOLS partnerships, and find information on workforce programs. Working with ABC Ohio Valley’s industry-committed platform ensures your firm can connect with talent before aerospace recruiters do. Visit our Construction Workforce Shortage hub for deeper Mercer County and regional analysis.