Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber (GAC) was awarded $3 million through the U.S. Economic Development Administration Good Jobs Challenge program, complete with a $3.4 million local match, to strengthen the polymer industry’s workforce pipeline through in-demand skills training and placement in “Good Jobs” through the Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Excellence (APEX) initiative. The GAC was one of eight awardees in this new round of Good Jobs funding, which focuses on critical and emerging technology industries with an emphasis on empowering underrepresented populations.
Leveraging the work of the Polymer Sector Partnership through ConxusNEO, the workforce initiatives team at the GAC, and the Polymer Industry Cluster, the APEX initiative will focus on creating accessible career pathways in the polymer sector by advancing worker-center strategies, strengthening the advanced manufacturing sector, and focusing on sustainable technology. This initiative will specifically target underrepresented populations in Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne counties in the manufacturing industry and young adults (ages 18-24) who are disconnected from school or work.
Over the next three years, this initiative aims to complete:
- 500 training enrollments, including entry-level training, upskilling, and advanced training, monitoring and continuous improvement
- 400 training completions across all levels of training outlined above
- 320 total placements into “Good Jobs” – defined as opportunities with good wages, strong job security, opportunities for advancement, and ultimately, pathways to financial stability
“Northeast Ohio’s historical position as a leader in the polymer and manufacturing industry, coupled with our federal designation as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub of the United States, solidifies the power of collaboration that exists within the industry in our region,” said Steve Millard, President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “This opportunity would not be possible without the commitment from our region’s employers soliciting needs for in-demand jobs and the commitment from industry partners and training institutions to support the development of these skills in technical and advanced manufacturing roles like injection molding, polymer processing, and materials science.
“The outcomes of the APEX workforce initiative are crucial to ensuring we are equipping our region’s employers with a strong pipeline of trained individuals, and, in turn, these individuals are being placed into ‘Good Jobs’,” Millard continued. “And big picture, the outcomes are crucial to maintaining our global competitiveness and will support our efforts to drive global innovation in the polymer industry to further impact and shape the global, and local, economy.”
The FY2024 Good Jobs Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supports and advances the work of existing federally designated Tech Hubs in the United States. Greater Akron’s federal designation as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub of the United States in October 2023 set the foundation for this opportunity in our region and further positions Greater Akron as a place for investment, innovation, and growth in the polymer industry.
The $3.37 million of local funds will be provided collectively by partners Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, MAGNET, Manufacturing Works, and Stark State College.
GAC is fortunate to have the ongoing support of its partners, polymer industry companies, elected officials and other economic development stakeholders to further advance the work of Northeast Ohio’s polymer industry.
From Our Partners
“I was proud to support the Greater Akron Chamber’s proposal which aims to create career pathways in the polymer sector,” said Congressman Max Miller (OH-7). “With nearly 10% of manufacturing jobs in Northeast Ohio currently vacant, the region is facing an unprecedented labor shortage. By expanding access to workforce development programs—particularly those focused on career-oriented technical training that doesn’t require a four-year degree—we can grow our workforce, strengthen our economy, and secure a brighter future for Ohio. I am excited to see all that will come from this Good Jobs Challenge grant.”
“I am thrilled that The Greater Akron Chamber’s APEX initiative has secured the $3 million in funding,” said Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-6). “‘This comprehensive workforce development strategy is essential to reviving the manufacturing heritage that once made our region the envy of the world. Programs like APEX are exactly what we need to revitalize communities by generating well-paying jobs, boosting the economy, and enhancing the quality of life.”
“Ohio’s 13th Congressional District has long been a trailblazer in polymer science and polymer engineering. I’m thrilled that the Greater Akron Chamber will receive $3 million in federal funds, thanks to the historic CHIPS and Science Act, in addition to another $3 million matched by local funds. These funds will help further the Akron Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub by ensuring that we have a strong workforce to meet the demands of the growing polymers field. I’m proud to have worked with our local and federal stakeholders to bring these vital funds back to our district to create good-paying jobs and grow our local economy. This investment will ensure Northeast Ohio remains a global leader and trailblazer in polymer science and polymer engineering, reaffirming our district’s legacy as the Rubber Capital of the World. From sustainable tires to cutting-edge polymers, the next generation of rubber and plastics production will proudly be made here in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” said U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13).
“Congratulations to the APEX initiative on receiving an award from the EDA’s Good Jobs Challenge,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This win builds on the $100 million being invested in Ohio’s Polymer Industry Cluster and will seek to develop and implement training programs for workers in our polymer industry. Through recent awards from programs such as the Ohio Innovation Hub Program, Ohio Industry Sector Partnership Program, EDA Tech Hubs Program, and now the EDA Good Jobs Challenge, Ohio is one step closer to solidifying its position as a global leader in polymers.”
“The Akron region’s work in polymer research, development, and technology is vital to the growth and success of this legacy industry in Ohio,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “Through this award and the work being done through the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub, Akron will continue to lead the industry while building a new workforce and attracting and retaining the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
“With insights from our network of over 300 manufacturing and related member businesses, Manufacturing Works has developed a deep understanding of the talent development solutions needed to drive economic growth in the sector,” said Adam Artman, President and Executive Director of Manufacturing Works. “Through this industry intelligence, we are positive that APEX will address all three components of the polymer career pathway: 1) entry-level training, 2) upskilling opportunities, and 3) advanced training. We are ready to get to work on APEX and provide new pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for entry-level and incumbent polymer workers.”
“The Greater Akron Chamber’s APEX initiative is critical to ensuring the Akron-Canton region develops the workforce needed to support the manufacturing growth that will flow from the Polymer Industry Cluster,” said Jeff Dafler, President & CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber. “We are delighted EDA has awarded $3 million in funding for this important work to help our region’s manufacturers lead the global polymer industry.”
“The Good Jobs Challenge award to the Greater Akron Chamber is a game-changer for Barberton and the entire region. This funding allows us to create quantitatively impactful workforce programs in partnership with industry-leading companies like Barberton’s ARDL (Akron Rubber Development Labs),” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “Barberton is at the forefront of innovation with its GAC and Barberton City Schools partnership that has established the first and only Federal Tech Hub-aligned K-12 curriculum for polymer science, called the Polymer Pathway. This new grant award lets us continue building a pipeline for the workforce of the future, equipping our young people with the skills needed to excel in advanced industries. This new initiative has the power to positively transform thousands of lives, strengthening our community now and into the future.”
“Stark State College is a proud partner in the region’s workforce development efforts and in the new Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Excellence (APEX) project,” said Stark State College President Para M. Jones, Ph.D. “We will work with employers and the community to recruit, educate and prepare students for the many ‘good jobs’ in the polymer industry. We look forward to connecting individuals in the region to polymer opportunities that offer good wages, advancement and financial stability, while ensuring that employers have the technically proficient workforce they need.”
“Northeast Ohio’s rich manufacturing history will also be our region’s bright future if we can reduce barriers and grow more accessible career pathways. MAGNET, the Northeast Ohio partner of the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, is excited to support the APEX project led by the Greater Akron Chamber and the Polymer Sector Partnership to recruit, train, and retain employees in the polymer industry,” said Aram Nerpouni, Chief Workforce Advancement Officer at MAGNET.
Funding for APEX Initiative coincides with current Good Jobs Challenge Phase 1 work
ConxusNEO is currently one of 13 sector partnerships across the State of Ohio collaborating on the $25 million Good Jobs Challenge grant awarded in August 2022 to provide training for entry-level positions and upskilling of workers for advancement opportunities. The grant budget provides support services, such as childcare and transportation, to remove systemic barriers for potential workers and utilizes the “WorkAdvance” model which provides career coaching from pre-hire to 12 months post-hire.
Learn more about the EDA Good Jobs Challenge program at eda.gov.
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About the Greater Akron Chamber
The Greater Akron Chamber is a business membership and economic development organization serving Summit, Medina, and Portage counties. The Greater Akron Chamber drives economic growth and prosperity for the region by supporting the success of the business community and acting as a convener of stakeholders on key issues facing Greater Akron.
About ConxusNEO
ConxusNEO, the workforce initiatives team of the Greater Akron Chamber, serves as the connective tissue among workforce development providers and ensures their efforts are connected, inclusive, informed by data, and aligned for maximum impact. ConxusNEO enables workforce development providers to operate as an effective, efficient system to maximize results for employers.
About the Polymer Industry Cluster
The Polymer Industry Cluster Initiative was launched in 2021 to conduct a deeper examination of the region’s polymer industry and develop a framework to leverage its full potential. Powered by the Greater Akron Chamber, the Polymer Industry Cluster works to elevate Northeast Ohio’s polymer industry into a truly dynamic enterprise that is better positioned for strong, sustainable growth in an ever-changing global economy.