Barberton Community Foundation receives federal grant to study advanced manufacturing workforce training
BGNN staff report
BARBERTON Barberton Community Foundation has been awarded a Planning and Local Technical Assistance grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for establishing advanced manufacturing workforce training opportunities in Barberton, according to a news release from BCF.
The study will examine the development of a multi-component training system designed to address critical skills gaps in advanced manufacturing while supporting local and regional economic revitalization. The results of the study will define the growing demand for skilled workers in polymer technology, defense and energy manufacturing, and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
Congresswoman Emilia Sykes praised the award, noting its importance for both local residents and the state’s economy.
“Ohio’s 13th Congressional District has a rich history of manufacturing, and this workforce development project will help ensure that legacy in Barberton for generations to come,” Sykes said in the news release. “It will make certain that those who grow up in Northeast Ohio have the education, skills, and job opportunities
to build their career right here at home. I am proud to be a long-time supporter of the Barberton Community Foundation and other local businesses and organizations working to make this project a reality.”
With strong federal support in place, Barberton Community Foundation Executive Director Josh Gordon highlighted what this grant means on the ground in Barberton, a city with a proud manufacturing history, and how it will guide workforce opportunities.
“Our community is proud of our history of hard work in manufacturing, and this grant for a workforce study will help us identify the right career opportunities that are in demand in the present and in the future, for our residents, and for anyone in the region seeking to elevate their career pathways,” Gordon said in the news release.
The feasibility study will specifically explore three core areas of workforce development:
• Advanced Manufacturing Training: Exploring a purpose-built facility providing specialized training for precision manufacturing, welding engineering, and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Polymer Technology Careers: Training workers in advanced materials manufacturing and polymer science applications.
• AI and Advanced Materials Innovation: Developing workforce capabilities in artificial intelligence applications for materials science, predictive manufacturing, and smart manufacturing systems.
“Strong partnerships between industry, education, and community organizations are essential for building the skilled workforce our manufacturing base and business community requires,” Gordon said in the release. “The feasibility study will help us develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both immediate workforce needs while informing long-term community and economic development opportunities.”
Echoing the emphasis on collaboration, Dr. Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster, noted how Barberton’s efforts complement regional innovation.
“The Barberton feasibility study aligns directly with the strategic priorities of the Polymer Industry Cluster,” Dorfi said in the news release. “As we work to scale innovation and growth in the industry, collaboration between education, government, and business leaders will be essential to advancing our regional goals and securing long-term economic success for Northeast Ohio.”
The study will analyze market demand (including national, regional, and local unmet workforce development needs), infrastructure requirements, financial sustainability, and implementation timelines. Upon completion, the findings will inform applications for construction and implementation funding to establish the facilities required to sustainably conduct comprehensive workforce training programs.
The long-term outcomes of this initial project are expected to create high quality jobs and invite as much as $50 million in private investment. The initiative aligns with federal priorities for strengthening manufacturing capabilities and supporting economic development in distressed communities.
Barberton, and surrounding Summit County, have experienced economic challenges following the decline of traditional manufacturing industries. The proposed workforce training center represents a strategic opportunity to further strengthen the local economy while addressing critical manufacturing workforce needs.Barberton Community Foundation will partner with regional educational institutions, local government, and industry partners to conduct the feasibility study and develop implementation plans.
