Happy New Year! We are stepping into the year with real momentum and plenty to look forward to.

One of the most meaningful milestones to kick off 2026 is the launch of WorkOhio, a new statewide workforce initiative focused on expanding opportunity for job seekers across the state. Through seven regional talent hubs, WorkOhio will connect individuals to training, coaching, and employment opportunities while bringing employers, education partners, and community organizations together around shared workforce priorities. The Workforce Innovation Center is honored to serve as the Southwest Ohio lead on this initiative through our Southwest Ohio Workforce Innovation Network (WIN).

We were so pleased that Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel kicked off WorkOhio locally last week at the Cincinnati Chamber where we were joined by workforce partners, local elected officials, and regional employers. It was a celebratory event that builds upon strong organizations and partnerships in our region.

In the years ahead, the Southwest Ohio WIN will leverage our network of partners, employers, and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s 211 system to respond to job seeker needs and connect individuals to the right resources and opportunities. By coordinating community-based partners, strengthening employer relationships, expanding access to training and coaching, and delivering targeted supports, the Southwest Ohio WIN will drive meaningful impact for both job seekers and employers throughout the region and help Ohioans reach their full potential.

We are excited to steward this initiative to support workforce growth across the Cincinnati region and the State of Ohio. To learn more about WorkOhio, visit workohio.gov.

NEW TEAM MEMBER

We are thrilled to announce the newest member of the Workforce Innovation Center team, Mueni Nzioki! 

Mueni is the Coordinator for the WorkOhio Southwest Hub, joining the Workforce Innovation Center team in January 2026 after previously serving as an Administrative Assistant at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber since 2024.

During her time at the Cincinnati Chamber, she supported members and partners by connecting them to Chamber resources, assisting with events, and contributing to initiatives across multiple departments.

A lifelong resident of Hebron, Kentucky, Mueni attended the University of Cincinnati, where she earned a Bachelor of Public Health with a concentration in Health Education and Community Health.

Outside of her professional work, Mueni is actively involved in the community through volunteer efforts with Caracole and Matthew 25: Ministries and supporting the Kenyan Cincinnati Association focused on outreach and fundraising initiatives.

Mueni is excited to contribute to the Workforce Innovation Center’s mission and is committed to helping individuals connect to meaningful services, opportunities, and employment across the region.

Please join us in welcoming her to the team!

WORKFORCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Building Cincinnati’s Future: Adopt A Class – Mentoring to Bridge the Workforce Gap

In today’s competitive landscape, regional employers are increasingly looking for innovative ways to build a sustainable talent pipeline. Adopt A Class (AAC) connects the business community directly to students in underserved schools throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, providing a unique opportunity for group mentoring to engage and inspire the future workforce.

For business leaders and workforce professionals aligned with the Workforce Innovation Center, AAC provides a turnkey opportunity for employee engagement and long-term workforce development. The program operates on a "one hour, once a month" commitment, where corporate teams "adopt" a classroom and equip students with vital career-connected learning and insights into diverse career pathways.

How Adopt A Class Serves the Region:

• Career Exposure: Mentors from career clusters such as business management, health sciences, and manufacturing provide real-world context to classroom learning.

• Pipeline Development: By sparking interest in regional industries early, AAC helps cultivate the next generation of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky workforce.

• Corporate Culture: Participating organizations report higher employee retention and improved team cohesion.

National Mentoring Month serves as a timely call to action for regional employers. Adopt A Class stands as a pillar for workforce development. To learn how your organization can inspire a future professional, visit aacmentors.org or connect with the Workforce Innovation Center to discuss strategic talent alignment.

FEATURED EVENT

How can you better attract, engage, and retain Gen Z talent in our region’s workforce? Join the Workforce Innovation Center, our sponsors, and special guests for an engaging discussion specific to the Cincinnati Region's Gen Z population and how you can build upon their strengths to grow your organization. 

Hear from leaders shaping the future of work and education, including representatives from the sponsors of the latest white paper: Cincinnati State, Gateway Community & Technical College, and Great Oaks Career Campuses. 

You'll also receive a FREE resource: a quick reference guide to building mentorship within your workplace.

Join us February 20th to dive deeply into the value this generation brings to our region and take part in the discussion around what’s working, what’s next, and how businesses and educators can collectively ensure the success of the next generation of talent and drive regional growth.

UPCOMING EMPLOYER TOUR

We have been invited by the Christ Hospital Health Network to bring members of our partner network to their upcoming Healthcare in a Day event! 

Join us on Wednesday, March 4th from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an immersive day exploring and engaging in the world of healthcare. Attendees will experience an in-depth exploration of a variety of career paths provided by the Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Christ Hospital Health Network including nursing, laboratory, pharmacy, and radiology. Additionally, our partners will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Christ Hospital's HR team following the event. 

A full agenda will be released to registrants closer to the event.

Don't miss out on this chance to connect with a major healthcare employer in Greater Cincinnati and discover the employment opportunities that they offer. 

Spots are limited, so be sure to claim yours today! 

EMPLOYER TOURS

Our team is at work building our 2026 Employer Tours schedule, and we’d love to include you. Employers seeking to grow their teams and reach new talent pools can use this program to connect with our workforce partner network and fill open roles with qualified candidates. Workforce professionals seeking employment opportunities for themselves or their clients can sign up for upcoming tours and connect with quality employers.

In 2025, The Workforce Innovation Center hosted tours of nine local employers representing nearly 20,000 employees across the region. Company hosts spanned in-demand industries including healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, construction, and technology. Representatives of nearly 30 local workforce development organizations participated in the tours and had the opportunity to build relationships with host employers to aid them in addressing their workforce needs while finding meaningful employment for the hundreds of clients they serve. 

We've recapped all of our past employer tours on our blog, with insights on open roles and company culture, so you can catch up if you were unable to attend.

This program is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number 21.027 awarded to Hamilton County, Ohio by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. We are grateful to the support of the Hamilton County Commissioners in funding this program.

NEWS OF INTEREST

​Gen Z could wave goodbye to résumés because most companies have turned to skills-based recruitment—and find it more effective, research shows - Fortune

Fifth Third increases minimum wage for its employees, plans more hiring in Cincinnati Region – Cincinnati Business Courier

​GenZ will shake up salary negotiations in 2026. Here’s what it means for pay - Cincinnati Business Courier

Greater Cincinnati loses 5,800 jobs in three-month decline - Cincinnati Business Courier

Study: Families would need $400,000 income for childcare to be considered affordable – CBS News

​Lt. Governor Tressel Makes First Stop of WorkOhio Kickoff Tour in Cincinnati | Governor Mike DeWine

More Americans stuck in part-time jobs - The Washington Post

​GenZ Demands Flexible Workplace Benefits - Forbes