Manufacturing in Licking County
Licking County’s manufacturing industry continues to grow. From 2017 to 2022, manufacturing jobs in Licking County grew by 12%. This growth is attributed to expansions of existing businesses and the siting of new manufacturing operations, bringing quality opportunities and higher-paying jobs to our local workforce.
Workforce development is an initiative that GROW collaborates on with local educational and business organizations. In 2020, GROW Licking County, Licking County Chamber of Commerce, OhioMeansJobs – Licking County, Licking County ESC Business Community Advisory Council, Central Ohio Technical College, and C-TEC worked with Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA) to conduct a Workforce Needs Assessment aligning local curriculum and skills development activities to employment opportunities in Licking County. Since then, we have continued to develop these career pathways resources to include a series of workforce videos.
The four primary industries identified in the study were healthcare, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, and computer systems and information technology (IT). The most recent video - manufacturing, featured employees and students currently employed or completing training within the industry.
The purpose of these videos is to highlight career pathways in high-demand industries while also sharing the stories of those who have worked or completed training in Licking County. Many of the people we interviewed had worked in different positions within manufacturing, which shows there is an opportunity for growth and career advancement.
As the region continues to grow, we anticipate even more opportunities for our workforce. Our local education partners offer many programs specific to the skills needed to thrive in these in-demand industries. Many employers also provide on-the-job training for new employees.
To view the full Skills Gap Analysis and Career Pathways resources, visit lickingcountyworks.com/skillsgap. Also, follow GROW Licking County and Licking County Works on social media to stay up-to-date on current resources and other economic development news.
