The purpose of this proposal is to create a comprehensive state manufacturing workforce recruitment plan that targets the recruitment and development of a skilled workforce from three underrepresented…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $471,704 Cooperative Agreement under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (CFDA 11.611) program to the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence, Inc. (OMA). The purpose of this 18-month project is to create a comprehensive state manufacturing workforce recruitment plan that targets the recruitment and development of a skilled workforce from three underrepresented population groups: Black people, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in Oklahoma. The key activities include:

1. Developing a manufacturing talent pipeline ecosystem through collaboration with manufacturers, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and community organizations.
2. Creating a workforce skill development framework to address skills gaps in areas like automation, cybersecurity, and supply chain management.
3. Developing a manufacturing recruitment marketing strategy to promote the recruitment plan and engage the target population groups.

The expected outcomes include establishing a sustainable manufacturing talent pipeline, increasing participation of underrepresented groups in Oklahoma's manufacturing workforce, and enhancing collaboration among state entities. OMA has subcontracted with Harrison Consulting Group to lead the workforce skill development framework and recruitment marketing strategy components of the project.

Activities

The oklahoma manufacturing alliance (OMA), in partnership with harrison consulting group, will execute key activities to achieve this purpose. These activities include developing a manufacturing talent pipeline ecosystem, which will involve collaboration with manufacturers, educational institutions, workforce development agencies, and community organizations to create a robust talent pipeline. Additionally, OMA and harrison consulting group will create a workforce skill development framework designed to address current and future skills gaps, particularly in automation, cybersecurity, and supply chain management, through strategies for new skill acquisition, reskilling, and upskilling. Furthermore, the partnership will develop a manufacturing recruitment marketing strategy to promote the recruitment plan through targeted marketing efforts aimed at engaging and attracting the identified population groups.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes of this proposal include the establishment of a well-defined and operational manufacturing talent pipeline ecosystem that provides a sustainable source of skilled labor for oklahoma¿s manufacturing sector. The implementation of the workforce skill development framework will help address the skills GAP in critical areas, leading to an increase in the participation of black people, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in oklahoma's manufacturing workforce. This project will also enhance collaboration among state agencies, educational institutions, and manufacturers, contributing to the ongoing development of a skilled workforce.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries of this initiative are primarily black people, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in oklahoma, who will gain access to new employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Small and medium-sized manufacturers (smms) in oklahoma will benefit from the availability of an expanded and better-trained workforce, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of the state.

Subrecipient activities

Harrison consulting group, as the primary subrecipient, will play a crucial role in this project. Their responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of the workforce skill development framework, conducting workforce research, engaging stakeholders, and facilitating program evaluations. They will also assist in the development and execution of the manufacturing recruitment marketing strategy. Throughout the project, harrison consulting group will report directly to OMA's center director and chief financial officer, ensuring that the project progresses according to plan, achieves its intended outcomes, and maintains sound financial management.