Building Our Future
TOGETHER
WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS
The DRMA leads the Dayton Region Manufacturing Workforce Partnership, an OMA-endorsed sector partnership. The purpose of DRMWP is to develop and execute new and enhanced initiatives that strategically align workforce efforts to ensure manufacturing competence and growth in the Dayton Region. Enhancing manufacturing career awareness and communicating members’ workforce needs to all stakeholders will ensure that regional manufacturers have access to the highly skilled workforce needed for today and tomorrow.
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A number of INITIATIVES are underway, which are funded in a large part by the DRMA FOUNDATION. We can do more with more VOLUNTEERS, SPONSORS, and DONATIONS.
How Does Your Company Benefit?​
In addition to the direct benefits for your company, being active in developing the next generation of skilled workers also helps by restoring manufacturing as the premier economic driver for our region and positioning you as a community leader. Your participation also helps eliminate outdated images and common misperceptions about manufacturing careers.
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Many DRMA member companies are already reaping the benefits of attracting the next generation of skilled workers through internships, participation in MFG Day, and more.
DRMWP Awarded One of Ohio’s 35 ISP Industry Sector Partnership Grants​
On January 28, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that 35 workforce partnerships across Ohio will receive $5.1 million in awards through the Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant. The program supports local and industry collaborations that help bring Ohioans into the workforce while meeting the needs of job creators and the economy.
The partnership grant will focus on multiple in-demand industry sectors, including manufacturing.
DRMWP’s primary workforce grant initiatives:
opportunities that connect students to employers.
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manufacturers with educators throughout the region.
Manufacturing-related Industry Recognized Credentials
activities that increase the attainment of manufacturing-related credentials by current and future workers.
activities that encourage students to pursue careers in manufacturing.
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One of the primary reasons the DRMA has flourished since its inception in 1934 is its formation and strict adherence to governance policies that enhance and add oversight to decision-making processes. These processes ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability.
Through DRMA's long-standing relationships, DRMWP works closely with existing and newly forming sector partnerships in the Dayton Region by looking for opportunities to collaborate, share tasks, and share best practices.
Industry Sector Partnerships are designed to develop regional workforce strategies, with the goal of driving collaboration between local businesses, education and training providers, and community stakeholders. These grants will help support the operations of new and existing industry sector partnerships in Ohio.
Our ISP, called the Dayton Region Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (DRMWP), is led by the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA). As its name implies, the Dayton Region Manufacturing Workforce Partnership focuses exclusively on the manufacturing industry throughout the Dayton Region. The mission of DRMWP is to develop and execute new and enhanced initiatives that strategically align workforce efforts to ensure manufacturing competence and growth in the Dayton Region.
“This Industry Sector Partnership Grant will allow DRMA and its 335 members the ability to expand and broaden our scope of workforce development initiatives. This will strengthen our position as the driving force and advocate for the long-term success of workforce development as well as the overall vitality of the region's manufacturing industry and economy.”
- Angelia Erbaugh, President of the DRMA
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Learn more about the Industry Sector Partnership Grant by visiting Workforce.Ohio.gov/ISP
