Workforce Innovation Center Newsletter | August 2026

Monthly Newsletter

August 2026

Workforce Innovation Center Logo
Workforce Innovation Center

It's August and back-to-school season around the region. I hope all the students in your life have had a good start to the new academic year, which is always full of promise and opportunity (and sharp, number 2 pencils).


As we look ahead to September, my colleagues and I are pleased to recognize National Recovery Month and and the many regional efforts dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery or currently struggling with substance misuse, including individuals who are currently working.


In addition to the toll that substance misuse can have on individuals, families, and the community, it also has a significant impact on the workplace through decreased productivity, chronic absenteeism, and high turnover. We are proud to work alongside partners like Recovery Friendly Hamilton County, who help employers understand how recovery friendly practices can strengthen workplaces and provide guidance on supporting employees in recovery. Our Career Board & Perks Page highlights employers who are Recovery Friendly Workplace designees, helping job seekers and workforce partners identify employers that actively provide recovery supports.


The National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute has also published a guide to recognizing Recovery Month with ideas including hosting educational sessions, sharing recovery resources, offering ally training, highlighting supportive workplace policies, and connecting with local recovery organizations. These practices can help reduce stigma, create clearer pathways to support, and build healthier workplaces with stronger retention.


When employers make recovery part of the workforce conversation, they help strengthen both their employees and the broader talent ecosystem. We look forward to uplifting the resources and actions around recovery in the workplace this month to make Recovery Month a springboard for lasting workplace change.

Audrey Treasure

Executive Director, Workforce Innovation Center

atreasure@cincinnatichamber.com

WORKOHIO

Moira Weir - WorkOhio & United Way of Greater Cincinnati

This month, Moira Weir, United Way of Greater Cincinnati President and CEO, joined WCPO 9 News Host Michelle Hopkins for a conversation about United Way’s work in our community and how their 211 system plays a key role in the WorkOhio Southwest Hub’s efforts to connect job seekers with resources and opportunities that help them reach their full potential.


We are proud to partner with United Way within the WorkOhio Southwest Hub, and we are so thrilled to highlight the work of our WorkOhio Southwest Hub partners as we continue  to spread the word about WorkOhio in the Southwest Region. We look forward to continuing to amplify the voices of our other named partners in the coming months.

Watch the Interview

FEATURED EVENT

Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati Annual Summit

There's still time to register for The Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati's Annual Workforce & Talent Summit on September 16, 2026 at Fueled Collective in Rookwood.


This year's theme, Building and Investing in Your Future Workforce, will anchor a full day of conversation, connection, and practical insight for workforce and talent professionals across our region. The day will include: 

  • A keynote address on Designing an AI Ready Workforce from Audrey Mickahail, Senior Vice President of Market Strategy & Solutions with Opportunity@Work

  • A featured session on Speaking Every Generation's Language from Dr. Kevin Sansberry II, Founder & Principal Consultant at KEVRA: The Culture Company

  • Rotating breakout sessions investigating Workforce Pell, The Benefits Cliff, and Apprenticeship Pay-for-Performance funding models. 

Don't miss out on this engaging day tackling some of our region's most pressing workforce topics. Claim your spot today to join the conversation and explore how investments in your future workforce can strengthen your talent strategy.

Registration

WORKFORCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

The Dever Family Fountdation Skilled Trades Education Center

Thousands of young people are searching for career direction. Many have never been exposed to the rewarding opportunities available in the skilled trades.


The new Dever Family Foundation Skilled Trades Education Center in Loveland, Ohio opened in January 2026 to introduce junior high and high school students to exciting careers in automotive maintenance, carpentry & woodworking, home repairs & painting, programming, welding, electricity, plumbing, welding, robotics, and metalwork.

 

The Center is looking for experienced professionals, retirees, tradespeople, technicians, business owners, and educators to share their knowledge and skills with students. Your experience can help young people discover rewarding career opportunities they may not have considered. By inspiring the future workforce, you can also help address the skilled trades shortage facing our community.


Programs run during the week during normal school hours and on Saturdays. The commitment is flexible based on your interest and availability. No teaching experience is required. We provide everything you need, including a training outline, equipment, and materials.


If you are interested in sharing your knowledge and experience, please contact Travis McCormick at travis.mccormick@scouting.org or (513) 577-7719.

Learn More
Contact

NOW HIRING

CVG Career Fair

CVG Airport and campus employers are looking to connect with regional job seekers at their annual Campus Career Fair!


Join over 70 CVG campus employers on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 3:30pm - 6:30pm at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming to learn about the many open positions across the airport's campus and explore how employment at CVG can help you, or the individuals you serve, reach new career heights. 

Learn More

From the Blog

The Spirit of Construction: Building People, Building Futures

Founded in 1966, Spirit of Construction began with a simple idea: the industry thrives when its people thrive. What started as an effort to honor local contractors grew into a mission‑driven organization focused on investing in scholarships, workforce development programs, and community partnerships.

Read More

Cincinnati Career Pathways Initiative: Expanding Career-Connected Learning Opportunities for Young People

Grounded in Cincinnati’s economic landscape and shaped by the experiences of students, families, educators, and employers, the Cincinnati Career Pathways Initiative is a three-year effort to strengthen the access, exposure, and navigation of career-connected learning (CCL) opportunities for young people across the region.

Read More

NEWS OF INTEREST

Why Engineering Is No Longer A Sure Thing College Major When It Comes To Jobs - Forbes

55% of Leaders Regret AI Layoffs— and a Major Hiring Reversal has Begun – Inc.com

Falling long-term unemployment isn’t good news, economists say — what it means for jobseekers - CNBC

“Becoming a Plumber Completely Changed My Life” – New York Magazine

As AI creates more entrepreneurs and a skills mismatch, Gen Z faces the choice of being a specialist or a ‘general-purpose nerd’ - Fortune

The big college major rethink - Axios

The newest trend in hiring: Proving you exist – Cincinnati Business Courier

Governor DeWine Awards $3.2 Million to Expand Career Tech Manufacturing Programs Across Ohio - Governor Mike DeWine

Research: How Remote Work Is Narrowing Early-Career Opportunities - Harvard Business Review

Data shows women are leaving the workforce. What does that say about the economy? - NPR

The People Who Will Thrive in the AI Age - The Atlantic

Workforce Innovation Center
3 East 4th Street, Suite 200
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Update Subscription Preferences 

Copyright © {{Current_Year}}, All rights reserved.