Southwest Ohio Manufacturers, Educators Convene on Super RAPIDS Grant Workforce Initiative

CINCINNATI, OHIO — Southwest Ohio manufacturers, industry associations, and educators gathered at Vaco's Blue Ash facility today to advance an essential initiative aimed at bolstering Ohio’s electric vehicle (EV) and advanced manufacturing workforce. The invitation-only meeting, led by the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership (AMIP), brought together leaders from the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, Southwest Ohio educational institutions, and some of the region’s largest manufacturing companies.

During the meeting, attendees reviewed proposed workforce training projects developed by area schools. Open discussions among representatives led to a final ranking and prioritization of the projects, guiding funding and resource allocation decisions for the Super RAPIDS Grant workforce initiative. This program is intended to support Southwest Ohio’s workforce by addressing the growing demands of the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Educators and manufacturers discuss proposals

Dave Romp, AMIP leads the meeting

"The success of this initiative hinges on input and guidance from this region’s advanced manufacturing companies," said Dave Romp, Project Manager at AMIP. Local manufacturers were vocal about the impact this grant will have on our community. “The money should go to what’s most impactful and provides return on investment,” said Ben Morris, Director of Business Development at Edge Energy. Will Healy of Universal Robots added, "We want to give money to specifically create impact in southwest Ohio... Ultimately, our job is to make impacts here."

The meeting highlighted AMIP’s commitment to fostering collaborative solutions to workforce challenges, positioning Southwest Ohio as a leader in manufacturing innovation and education. On November 19th, AMIP will reconvene with the educators and manufacturers and make a final decision on how the grant funding will be used and to which schools it will be awarded.

About AMIP

The Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership (AMIP) is dedicated to advancing manufacturing innovation, workforce development, and collaboration across southwest Ohio. Through strategic partnerships, AMIP drives impactful programs that support the growth and success of Ohio’s manufacturing community.

Media Contact

Rachel Farnsworth

Education Manager, AMIP

rachel.farnsworth@advmfgip.org