Dayton, OH: (8/12/2026) The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE),  in partnership with Trades for Life Foundation, has been awarded the West Ohio Skilled Trades Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) to strengthen the region’s skilled trades workforce across Northwest, West Central, and Southwest Ohio. This employer-led initiative brings together employers, career technical centers, colleges and universities, workforce agencies, economic development organizations, government, and community partners to address workforce shortages, expand access to high-demand skilled trades careers, and develop a sustainable talent pipeline that supports long-term economic growth.

At the center of the initiative is the Skilled Trades Advisory Group (STAG), which will identify regional workforce priorities, define the skills and credentials employers need, and guide strategies to expand internships, pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and direct-hire career pathways. Initial efforts will focus on high-demand occupations, including plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, industrial machinery mechanics, electricians, general maintenance and repair workers, and construction laborers.

A key component of the initiative will be the Trades for Life Tool Belt Program, operated in partnership with SOCHE. The program connects students and job seekers with paid, hands-on work experiences while SOCHE supports recruitment, screening, payroll, compliance, and participant development.

Cassie Barlow, Ph.D., president of SOCHE

“The success of this initiative will be measured by the opportunities it creates for both employers and job seekers. Together, we are building stronger career pathways, increasing access to high-quality training and work-based learning, and developing the skilled workforce that will keep Ohio’s industries competitive for years to come.” 

The partnership will serve K–12 students, postsecondary learners, veterans, transitioning military members, incumbent workers, career changers, and individuals with barriers to employment. Strategies will include career awareness, credential attainment, work-based learning, job placement, and connections to programs such as TechCred and the

Individual Microcredential Assistance Program.  

With nearly 60 years of experience connecting education, workforce, and community partners,  SOCHE collaborates with over 30 colleges and universities, K–12 districts, employers, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen talent pipelines and create opportunities throughout Ohio. As the Western Ohio Regional Hub for WorkOhio, SOCHE provides individualized workforce support to job seekers while helping employers connect with qualified talent. Through workforce development initiatives, internship programs, educational partnerships, and veteran-focused services, SOCHE continues to advance its mission of connecting education and employment to transform the economy.

The Trades for Life Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Ohio’s skilled trades workforce by connecting education and employment through scholarships, strategic partnerships, and experiential learning. Through initiatives such as the Tool Belt Program, Trades for Life helps students and job seekers gain paid, hands-on experience while supporting employers in developing sustainable talent pipelines.