Senate passes legislation to better workers

State Sen. Gayle Manning, a North Ridgeville Republican, co-sponsored legislation April 27 aimed at making Ohio’s education system more responsive to the workforce demands of the state’s 21st century economy, according to a media release from Manning’s office.

Senate Bill 3 will help develop a statewide strategy designed to prepare the next generation of workers to take on careers in some of Ohio’s most indemand professions, the release said.

“We must do more to prepare our next generation of workers for employment in the current and future job markets,” Manning said. “By connecting educators with employers, Senate Bill 3 will better align the skills taught in the classroom with those needed to fill good-paying jobs.”

In collaboration with the Ohio Department of Education and Department of Higher Education, Ohio’s major industries would help create a statewide strategic workforce plan to enhance project-based learning and develop professional development programs that address how to build authentic, real-world, project-based learning into the curriculum, according to the release.

A significant gap exists between the number of workers expected to hold degrees and certifications and the estimated labor force demands over the next 10 years, the release said.

The bill seeks to narrow this gap by strengthening the connection between the state’s business and education communities.

S.B. 3 will be sent to the House for review.