Lt. Governor Tressel Highlights Workforce Partnerships at Youngstown State University Jobs Summit
The Lt. Governor delivered keynote remarks and joined a panel discussion as part of YSU’s In-Demand Jobs Week Summit
 Lt. Governor Jim Tressel addressed a crowd of business and education leaders at Youngstown State University's In-Demand Jobs Week Summit. The event was held at the Williamson College of Business Administration.
(YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel today visited Youngstown State University (YSU) for a panel discussion on the importance of business and education working together to drive workforce development.
The panel was hosted at YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration as part of the university's In-Demand Jobs Week Summit.
“Ohio has an incredible number of job opportunities available right now and even more that are coming our way – and we need to make sure our workforce is ready to meet the moment,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “Events like today’s summit at YSU help us listen and learn from those who understand the local workforce – including its strengths and needs – who are creating innovative partnerships, and who are utilizing cutting-edge equipment and training to ensure our workforce of the future is prepared to succeed.”
 The Lt. Governor joined local business leaders for a panel discussion on the importance of business and education working together to drive workforce development.
In-Demand Jobs Week is the statewide celebration of Ohio’s top jobs, industries, and skills. YSU’s summit is one of dozens of events across the state being held this week by businesses, schools, and community organizations to showcase career opportunities in their regions.
Thanks to the state’s targeted work to attract economic development projects into local communities, Ohio has added more than 81,000 private sector jobs in the past six years. Further, at least 15,000 additional jobs are coming to Ohio through projects that are currently in development.
To ensure the state’s workforce is trained and ready to fill these jobs, Governor Mike DeWine announced in his recent State of the State Address that Lt. Governor Tressel would lead the administration’s effort to create Ohio’s Workforce Playbook. As part of this work, Lt. Governor Tressel has traveled across Ohio, hosting a series of community discussions with local business and education leaders to identify in-demand job opportunities in each region.
Lt. Governor Tressel discussed Ohio’s Workforce Playbook during the panel and during keynote remarks he delivered at Tuesday’s summit.
“Our Workforce Playbook is about turning local insights into a plan that will ensure each region of Ohio is set up for success as we continue our growth as a state,” Lt. Governor Tressel added.
 The Lt. Governor joined local business leaders for a panel discussion on the importance of business and education working together to drive workforce development.
The Lt. Governor was joined for the panel by experts in areas including advanced and additive manufacturing, as well as wireless infrastructure like broadband and 5G.
“The future of the Mahoning Valley’s economic competitiveness isn't just about creating jobs – it's about creating pathways to opportunity,” said YSU President Bill Johnson. “What YSU and our industry partners have built represents exactly the kind of innovation our region needs: a pipeline that connects education directly to employment in high-growth industries. By bringing together advanced manufacturing and technology training under one roof, YSU is showing how education, industry, and government can work together to build not just careers, but stronger communities and lifelong business partners.”
 YSU President Bill Johnson also delivered remarks during Thursday's event. (Photo courtesy Youngstown State University)
YSU is driving workforce innovation through cutting-edge programs and strong industry partnerships. From advanced degrees to certifications, YSU’s industry-aligned curriculum prepares students for today’s job market and tomorrow’s opportunities. At the heart of this effort are the Excellence Training Center (ETC) and the Advanced Technology Workforce Accelerator, which offer hands-on training in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, broadband, cybersecurity, and operational technology.
In-Demand Jobs Week highlights Ohio’s most in-demand and fastest-growing industries through hiring events, educational activities, and training opportunities across the state. Learn more at TopJobs.Ohio.gov/Week.
Currently, there are over 146,000 jobs posted on OhioMeansJobs.com and 94,000 pay over $50,000 per year. There are opportunities available right now across Ohio, and In-Demand Jobs Week is a chance to learn about the education and training available in every community, so more Ohioans can join the workforce and take charge of their future.
Lt. Governor Tressel’s visit to Youngstown marks another stop in his ongoing series of regional workforce visits across the state. Previous events have been held at Cleveland State University, Wright State University, the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College, at Stewart Glapat in Zanesville, and North Central State College’s Kehoe Center.
 The Lt. Governor also delivered keynote remarks, where he discussed the administration's ongoing efforts to create Ohio's Workforce Playbook.
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