In June 2024, The Summit and Medina Workforce Development Board selected KRA to provide WIOA-funded Career, Business, and One-Stop Operator Services for Adult and Dislocated Workers through the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center Network, with offices in Akron [Summit County] and Medina [Medina County].
Melvin Jackson, KRA/OMJ Interim Program Director, reports, “Due to the effective collaborative efforts of our Business Services and Career Services Teams, Summit and Medina Counties are experiencing a surge in positive employment referrals, thanks to highly successful Job Fairs in January, April, and May that proved to be extremely effective outreach strategies, providing workforce recruitment and placement solutions for jobseekers and employers alike.
“In addition, KRA/OMJ hosted several well-attended activities for In-Demand Jobs Week resulting in two outstanding On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities, one with Arhaus, a nationwide U.S. furniture retailer, and another with Giesecke & Devrient (G+D), a German-based international security technology company operating in the fields of digital security, financial platforms, and currency technology.”
Tom Thornton, KRA/OMJ Business Services Manager—who directs and coaches our Business Services Representatives in both Counties—comments, “Underscoring their commitment to fostering local talent, Arhaus has signed an OJT Agreement to provide multiple new hires with hands-on training, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles as Equipment Operation and Warehouse positions within the company. Under their OJT arrangement, G+D will also generate multiple hires to fill Inventory Control Clerk, Fulfillment Operator, and IT Administrator positions.”
By investing in local talent and providing opportunities for growth, companies like Arhaus and G+D are not only enhancing their own operations, but contributing to the overall economic health of Summit County. This collaborative approach serves as a model for other regions looking to strengthen their workforce and support local employment.
The positive impact of these agreements extends beyond Arhaus and G+D, as other businesses are benefiting from similar KRA/OMJ initiatives, creating a ripple effect of job growth and economic stability in the region. These efforts highlight the importance of community collaboration in building a robust and resilient workforce.
If your organization would like to explore OJT, or other skill-building programs that benefit both jobseekers and employers, please contact KRA.