Columbus, OH – Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, commented on the newly released jobs report from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“In September, the Ohio unemployment remained steady at 3.4 percent—better than the national average of 3.8 percent—and the labor force participation rate also held steady at 62.1 percent—worse than the national average at 62.8 percent. 

“The good news is the addition of 11,000 private-sector jobs—a notable improvement over the 3,500 new jobs added in August. Job growth was widespread, with new hires in construction, manufacturing, and the service sector industry, indicating that job gains will likely be more durable over the next few months.

“To ensure this job growth continues, particularly in manufacturing, lawmakers must adopt policies to build a skilled workforce ready to fill available jobs in the new, advanced manufacturing sector. To do this, Ohio lawmakers should address policies that favor four-year universities over community colleges and embrace new technologies like immersive learning and established training methods such as apprenticeships. This dual approach will provide multiple pathways to prosperity for all Ohioans.”

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