CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Today, Cuyahoga County joined MAGNET for a landmark celebration recognizing the launch of 3,000 life-changing manufacturing careers in Cuyahoga County, made possible through the Cuyahoga County Manufacturing Sector Partnership (MSP). This milestone reflects a powerful collaboration between manufacturers, educators, workforce organizations, and government leaders to build a stronger, more inclusive manufacturing economy.

“The manufacturing industry is the backbone of our region’s economy, creating high quality, well-paying jobs, and driving innovation,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Cuyahoga County is proud be a part of the Manufacturing Sector Partnership, and we remain committed to supporting the growth of local industries, reinforcing our long-standing dedication to economic development and industrial advancement.”

Over the past three years, Cuyahoga County invested $5 million to drive manufacturing workforce development through MAGNET. Using these funds, MAGNET and partners filled 2,750 open positions in manufacturing with average starting salaries of $38,000/year. These jobs now generate over $2 million in incremental income and sales tax revenue in Cuyahoga County each year.

“Part of Cuyahoga County’s mission is to enhance and support our community’s workforce to demonstrate that our County is a great place to both work and live,” said Cuyahoga County Council President Dale Miller. “Cleveland was built on the power and strength of manufacturing, and the Manufacturing Sector Partnership allows our region to continue building this talent now and well into the future. We are proud to support this impactful partnership.”

Since its formation in 2019 with the vision and support of the Cuyahoga County Workforce Funders Group, the Manufacturing Sector Partnership has brought together industry leaders and community partners to align training, outreach, and career pathways around the real needs of local manufacturers. The Cuyahoga County MSP is part of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s Industry Sector Partnership Network, which connects MAGNET and local manufacturers to a broader statewide effort to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. With funding support from Cuyahoga County and leadership from MAGNET, the initiative has empowered thousands of individuals—from high school students to returning citizens—to build rewarding careers in one of the region’s most vital industries.

Key Impact Highlights Over the Last 3 Years:

• 3,000+ individuals launched into manufacturing careers
• 8,300+ students participated in MAGNET’s Youth Manufacturing Experience
• 250 formerly incarcerated adults placed into jobs through ACCESS to Manufacturing Careers
• 228 students completed pre-apprenticeships
• 125+ professionals graduated from CoachU leadership training
• $19/hr average starting wage for ACCESS participants
• 110,000+ work-based learning hours completed

“This celebration is about much more than numbers,” said Ethan Karp, President and CEO of MAGNET. “It’s about real people who have found stability, opportunity, and purpose through manufacturing. It’s about communities that are stronger and employers who are thriving because we built a better system—together.”

For more information about MAGNET’s programs and services, visit manufacturingsuccess.org. 

Photo Gallery of the event, courtesy Cuyahoga County Communications.