A workforce development program highlighted in the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' latest annual report is putting a particular emphasis on western and central Ohio as the state prepares workers for advanced manufacturing jobs.

The Workforce Advancement in Vehicle Electrification program, known as WAVE, is providing training and credentialing opportunities for 550 people across western and central Ohio.

The program originated through a nearly $5 million federal grant awarded to Ohio for electric vehicle workforce development. ODJFS says the effort was developed with state workforce officials, manufacturers, local workforce development boards, employers and education providers. GovDelivery

WAVE is designed to connect workforce training with skills needed by manufacturers. The program includes identifying potential workers, aligning training programs with industry needs, providing education and credentials and offering certain support services that can help participants complete training. GovDelivery

The state's 2026 annual report says the program supported recruitment efforts in Fayette County connected to the Honda and LG Energy Solution lithium-ion battery plant in Jeffersonville.

The western and central Ohio effort is part of the broader Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, which brings together manufacturers, education providers and workforce agencies to coordinate training and expand the pipeline of workers for advanced manufacturing. Ohio Manufacturing Talent Partnership

The focus goes beyond simply filling current openings. The statewide strategy calls for aligning education and training with industry-defined skills while expanding career awareness and paid training opportunities such as apprenticeships and other earn-and-learn programs.

ODJFS' annual report says WAVE trained or provided credentialing opportunities for 550 people during State Fiscal Year 2026, while a separate northeast Ohio program targeted another 700 workers.