TVISP gathers at the Buckeye Career Center to discuss the development of a local maintenance program.
In 2022, the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) conducted a comprehensive strategic planning process, identifying a critical need for the alignment of workforce development efforts between the local education system and regional industries. This recognition led to the elevation of a Workforce Talent Pipeline as one of the fundamental pillars of their strategic plan.
During this planning phase, stakeholders provided feedback indicating a concerning level of partnership and decision fatigue among employers, attributed to many workforce development initiatives vying for their attention. Additionally, the education sector expressed reservations regarding the extent of industry involvement in shaping workforce development initiatives and concerns about future enrollment rates in industry-related programs.
In response to these challenges, local industry leaders convened regularly in 2023 to address the identified gaps. They discovered the Ohio Manufacturing Association's Industry Sector Partnerships through exploration and collaboration, recognizing them as a viable model for fostering collaboration and centralizing industry voices in workforce development efforts.
In September 2023, the Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP) was established with a clear mission:
“The Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership will develop connected systems to promote local manufacturing and equip the upcoming workforce. We will effectively align education and workforce needs to recruit, train, and retain talent to drive growth. “
In 2024, The Ohio Manufacturing Association's endorsement of the partnership lent further credibility and support to its endeavors. The TVISP has played a pivotal role in supporting the Ohio Means Jobs "Invading Tuscarawas" marketing campaign, which aimed to showcase local opportunities to youth within Tuscarawas County, fostering interest and engagement in the region's workforce potential.
Through strategic collaboration and a commitment to addressing identified needs, the Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership is emerging as a professional conduit for driving the region's workforce development, economic growth, and community prosperity.