Since 2018, more than 500 Ukrainians have resettled in Ohio, many in the Cleveland area. According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, in 2019 Ohio welcomed around 1,500 refugees. With an increase in Ohio’s population of immigrants – many of whom are skilled and eager to work – employers have an opportunity to take advantage of this new source of job candidates. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is offering a 60-minute paid webinar on the opportunity to tap this resource to fill positions. The webinar will be held Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
In this webinar, participants will hear an account of what refugees – specifically Ukrainian refugees – might bring to a workplace in terms of skills and competencies. Participants will also learn about resources to attract immigrants and make their workplaces accessible to the refugee population.
Key Topics
- Firsthand account of the Ukrainian refugee experience in Ohio;
- Opportunities and tips for upskilling and integrating refugees in the manufacturing workplace;
- Employee resources and support available from community-based organizations and resettlement agencies.
Who Should Attend?
- Manufacturers interested in developing a pipeline of skilled workers
- Members of industry sector partnerships
- Workforce and education professionals
- Economic development professionals
Registration
The registration fee for an unlimited number of participants at one phone/computer location is $19. QUESTIONS? Call (800) 662-4463 or email.
Presenters
Iryna V. Lendel, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Director of the Center for Economic Development, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University
Dr. Lendel is an economist with deep experience in conducting academic and applied research on regional economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Her research portfolio includes projects on industrial analysis including manufacturing, steel, oil and gas, and high-tech industries. She leads large multi-institutional research projects, creates methodologies, conducts modeling, and recommends strategies and public policies in a variety of aspects in regional economic development.
Dr. Lendel is currently an associate editor for Economic Development Quarterly and a member of the Economic Advisory Group for JobsOhio.
Dr. Lendel earned her Ph.D. in Economics at the Lviv Regional Institute of Ukrainian Academy of Science. She also earned a Ph.D. in Urban Studies from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University with a concentration in Economic Development.
Evan Chwalek, Economic Integration Coordinator, US Together, Inc., Cleveland
Evan Chwalek is a client-focused refugee services professional with more than six years of experience in assisting eligible populations with case management, employment services, and accessing workforce development opportunities. At US Together Cleveland, Chwalek has focused on economic integration, assisting more than 200 clients with education, achieving employment goals, and ensuring quality, long-term placements. Chwalek develops partnerships with employers across all industries that provide opportunities for his clients to become self-sufficient and grow in their careers.
Recently, Chwalek collaborated with resettlement staff on a national level in the development of a Digital Literacy Pilot Program, which taught US Together clients valuable skills in job readiness, continuing education, recertification of educational credentials, financial literacy, and other competencies that are central to attaining rapid employment.
See more Ohio Manufacturers’ Association events.
