I am so excited to share the release of the second Gen Z in the Workforce in the Cincinnati Region white paper presented by Cincinnati State Technical and Community College with support from Gateway Community and Technical College as our excellence sponsor and Great Oaks Career Campuses as our training partner sponsor.

This report highlights the perspectives of Gen Z individuals who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs), meaning those that have chosen educational and career pathways other than a bachelor’s degree including vocational training, associate degrees, military service, and on-the-job training, among other paths. It follows the first report in this series which was released last fall and focused on Gen Z pursuing traditional four-year degrees.

STARs are a large, essential, and often overlooked segment of our workforce. Since most jobs in our region do not require a four-year degree, it is vital for employers to understand the experiences and workplace expectations of this group. We are particularly excited to share information about STARs who are in Gen Z (born 1997 – 2012). We gathered insights from people through a comprehensive literature review, an analysis of our regional data with the Center for Research and Data, focus group discussions, and survey responses. Our findings are presented in the report alongside a set of proposed best practices that employers can use to better attract, engage, and retain this dynamic population. 

We invite you to read the report and reflect on how these findings can support your organization’s workforce strategies. It is our privilege to share the voices of Gen Z STARs and to work with employers who are committed to making the Cincinnati Region a stronger place to live and work.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Messer Construction

Messer Construction Co. is an employee-owned construction manager and general contractor that builds better lives for our customers, communities and each other. As a nationally recognized leader in safety and quality, Messer delivers complex, high-quality construction projects across the Midwest and Southeast—backed by 90 years of experience building in the health care, food and beverage, manufacturing, science and technology, aviation, federal/military and higher education markets.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and taking care of them is the key to our success. We invest in talent at every level, offering robust opportunities across Craft, Operations and Corporate teams. Our commitment to workforce development ensures that the next generation of builders, leaders, and problem-solvers has the tools and mentorship they need to thrive. 

Visit careers.messer.com for more information on career opportunities—including apprenticeships, co-ops/internships and full-time positions—all with built-in pathways for professional growth. 

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Learning Grove

Looking for ways to strengthen your workforce while making a difference in students’ lives? Learning Grove’s NaviGo College & Career Prep is a nonprofit program that empowers high school students to discover their strengths and prepare for life after graduation.  Through career coaching and work-based learning, NaviGo equips students with clarity, confidence, and actionable pathways for success.

Businesses are essential partners in this mission. Employers can engage directly with students by serving as guest experts, hosting job shadows, providing internships, or partnering as career coaches. These connections bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace while helping build a strong future workforce.

A flagship opportunity is the NaviGo Scholars program, which aligns companies with student cohorts who show aptitude and interest in specific industries. Employers meet with their Scholars monthly supported by a dedicated NaviGo Coach who ensures alignment on skills, culture, and career goals.

By partnering with NaviGo, businesses give back to the community and gain early access to motivated, career-focused students eager to contribute. Get involved today—help students succeed and strengthen your business at the same time!

 Contact: NaviGo@Learning-grove.org | 859-431-2075 | Visit navigoprep.com

EMPLOYER TOURS

CALLING ALL EMPLOYERS!

Is your company hiring? Are you looking to build stronger connections with local workforce development organizations to fill open roles with qualified talent? Our Employer Tours program is designed to help.

Employer Tours connect local employers with workforce professionals who work directly with job seekers across Hamilton County and the Greater Cincinnati region. By hosting a tour, you give these professionals a firsthand look at your facilities, helping them better understand your open roles, company culture, and the benefits of working at your organization. In turn, they can better match qualified talent to your opportunities.

Our next employer tour will be on Friday, October 3^rd at Jostin Construction. This tour will include a presentation from Jostin representatives, a walkthrough of their headquarters, and a hard hat tour of the new and improved Duke Energy Convention Center. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! Register today to attend.

We are recapping all Employer Tours on the Workforce Innovation Center blog, where we can share this information with job seekers, educational institutions, and workforce partners across the region.

HAMILTON COUNTY OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS

PITCH & EMPOWER EVENT APPLICATIONS OPEN!

Pitch & Empower is an opportunity allowing small, for-profit businesses in Hamilton County to share their story on the big stage and grow their business. Participants will gain valuable pitch experience, increase visibility of their businesses in the community, and compete for grant funding.

The perfect candidate to receive this award is a growth-oriented small business located in Hamilton County, with at least one year of operation, currently operating out of a brick-and-mortar space, has demonstrated sustainable revenue, and is committed to expanding their business in the community.

Pitch applications are now open and will close Monday, September 8th at 11:59pm, so don't wait! Apply now to take advantage of this opportunity.

FEATURED EVENT

LEADERSHIP SPRINT: Leading Change from Where You Are

Ready to drive meaningful change within your organization, regardless of your title? Join the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Leadership Sprint, a three-day program for aspiring change agents.

Facilitated by Workforce Innovation Center Lead Consultant, Dr. Kevin Sansberry II, the sprint is designed for participants to invest in their leadership potential through an exchange of ideas, challenges, and solutions with other leaders. The program is rooted in the principles of change management, strategic thinking, and action planning. The Leadership Sprint supports participants in identifying a meaningful opportunity for impact and equipping them with the tools, confidence, and community to move forward

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what it means to be a change agent, how to assess their organization’s readiness for change, and how to take focused action aligned with their values and goals. 

Earn SHRM/HRCI credits and leave with a clear plan to lead change, right where you are.

The Workforce Innovation Center - At a Glance

The Workforce Innovation Center offers a wealth of services and resources to help companies improve their business practices, create a more connected regional workforce ecosystem, and strengthen the economic prosperity of the Greater Cincinnati Region. From customized consulting services to tours of quality local employers, our services and resources are designed to assist you in addressing your workforce and talent needs, whatever they may be. Click a section below to learn more!

NEWS OF INTEREST

Hiring managers are hitting friction with new college grads – Cincinnati Business Courier

AI Is Wrecking an Already Fragile Job Market for College Graduates – Wall Street Journal

Earning More but in Worse Shape: Hardship Overwhelms Many American Families – Wall Street Journal

The $100K Club: Several new jobs eclipse the six-figure salary mark – Cincinnati Business Courier

Why So Many Women Are Quitting the Workforce - Time

A new force is emerging as a turnover threat – and it’s not just higher pay – Cincinnati Business Courier

U.S. Hiring Slowed Sharply Over the Summer – Wall Street Journal

America has two labor markets now - Axios

From $24,000 to $147,000: How Much Daycare Costs Across America - Wall Street Journal