From Fair Chance to Real Opportunity: How CQEs and CQHs Help Ohio Businesses Access Talent
As a remedy to employment barriers due to prior criminal records, some Ohioans can apply to their sentencing court to request their records to be expunged or sealed, destroying or hiding the record from the general public, but these forms of relief are limited to less serious offenses—even though all Ohioans with criminal records need employment and housing relief. Acknowledging this need, the Ohio legislature created additional forms of relief, the Certificate of Qualification for Employment in 2012 and the Certificate of Qualification for Housing in 2024, to bolster the economy and reduce recidivism.
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel Visits Cincinnati for WorkOhio Job Connector Tour
Last week, we had the privilege of welcoming Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel to Cincinnati as part of the statewide WorkOhio Job Connector Tour. Across the seven regional WorkOhio hubs, the Job Connector Tour is designed to showcase the training providers and available career opportunities that jobseekers can connect to through WorkOhio.
Lt. Governor Tressel Visits Construction Site at University of Cincinnati as WorkOhio Job Connector Tour Continues
(CINCINNATI, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited the University of Cincinnati (UC) today to observe ongoing demolition work at the Crosley Tower construction site.
The visit marked the fifth stop on his WorkOhio Job Connector Tour. The tour highlights training providers and employers WorkOhio can lead job seekers to as they look to take the next step in their careers.
Designing High-Impact Internship Programs in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber recently held an interactive workshop focused on designing intentional, high-impact intern and co-op programs
Celebrating Second Chance Month in Hamilton County
April is recognized nationally as Second Chance Month, with local organizations across the region marking the month through events and activities focused on expanding opportunity. Our team had the opportunity to attend and participate in two of these events in support of Second Chance Month and the jobseekers they serve.
Building a Practical Reentry Ecosystem in Hamilton County
Each year, approximately 700 individuals return home to our community from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction. When accounting for individuals returning from federal facilities and the Hamilton County jail system, that number grows significantly, totaling closer to 1,900 people reentering our community annually. Across the state, the three-year recidivism rate stands at 31.45%.
Unlocking Career Pathways with the Federal Reserve Bank’s Occupational Mobility Explorer
The Federal Reserve’s Occupational Mobility Explorer (OME) is a data-driven tool designed to help job seekers, workforce professionals, and employers identify and visualize how overlapping skillsets can lead to upward mobility in career pathways across 600+ job titles in over 500 US locations.
Hiring Returning Citizens – What Employers Should Know
Across the country, employers are seeking dependable workers who are motivated to succeed and eager to contribute. At the same time, many returning citizens—individuals involved in the legal system—are working every day to rebuild their lives, and employment is one of the most important steps in that process.
The Business Case for Fair Chance Hiring: A Workforce Strategy Hiding in Plain Sight
Fair chance hiring is a strategic workforce strategy that expands access to talent, helps reduce turnover, lowers long-term hiring costs, and supports a more stable workforce. It also connects individuals who are ready to work with employers willing to invest in their success.
Employer Event: Healthcare in a Day at the Christ Hospital
On March 4, 2026, we invited our workforce partners to attend a Healthcare in a Day event hosted by The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences and The Christ Hospital as part of our Employer Tour Program. Healthcare in a Day is a twice-per-year event designed to highlight healthcare career opportunities for high school students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare field.
Great Oaks Career Campuses: Adult Skills Training for Personal Success and the Future Economy
Alternate pathways to a successful career are essential. For adults who find that college isn’t in the cards or who realize that they need more training to reach their goals, adult education programs at area career centers can be the answer.
Workforce Partner Tour: Workforce Development Center at Cincinnati State
On January 23, 2026, our Employer Tour Program visited the Workforce Development Center (WDC) at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Attendees received an engaging, wide-ranging tour of the Evendale facility led by Cheryl Brackman, Emily Helmers, and Amy Waldbillig. The visit highlighted how the center connects training directly to employer needs and career pathways in the region.
