Central Ohio Regional Workforce Hub

One Door. Many Pathways.

What Is the Central Ohio Regional Workforce Hub?

The Central Ohio Regional Workforce Hub is an 11‑county collaboration designed to make the region’s workforce system easier to navigate, more aligned, and centered on real needs. Powered by the Central Ohio Workforce Development Network (WDN) and partners across OhioMeansJobs Centers, community‑based organizations, educators, and employers, the Hub creates a unified, streamlined entry point for anyone seeking career opportunities.

Whether you’re a job seeker, employer, or service provider, the Hub exists to ensure that opportunity is clear, coordinated, and accessible.

Why the Hub Matters

Real‑World Issues the Hub Solves

  • Fragmented services: Job seekers often bounce between agencies, repeating paperwork and retelling their story.
  • Rising cost‑of‑living pressures: Families struggle with childcare, housing, and transportation—barriers that make career advancement difficult.
  • Employer hiring gaps: High‑growth industries lack predictable talent pipelines.
  • Uneven access across counties: Rural, suburban, and urban communities didn’t share a single coordinated system—until now.

The Hub connects these dots so people don’t fall through the cracks.

Key Features of the Hub

1. A "No Wrong Door" Experience

No matter where a job seeker enters—an OhioMeansJobs Center, a community‑based organization, or an education provider—they are guided into the same coordinated system.

2. Streamlined Intake & Referrals

The Hub reduces duplication and confusion through:

  • A common intake process
  • Warm referrals powered by an emerging Community Information Exchange
  • Clear, predictable next steps

3. Real‑Time Workforce Data

Partners share data to:

  • Track outcomes
  • Adjust strategies quickly
  • Respond to employer demand
  • Improve job seeker support in real time

4. High‑Demand Career Pathways

The Hub prioritizes sectors that offer strong wages and long‑term mobility:

  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction

5. Region‑Wide Alignment

The Hub brings together workforce boards, training providers, CBOs, and employers across 11 counties—creating true consistency and collaboration for the first time.

6. Backed by the Ohio To Work Connector Grant

This grant enables coordinated infrastructure, system navigation, and stronger employer engagement across Central Ohio.

What Job Seekers Can Expect

Simple. Clear. Human.

  • One application, many opportunities
  • Immediate connection to training, coaching, or employment
  • Help accessing childcare, housing, transportation, and other critical supports
  • A system designed to reduce stress, not add to it

The Hub isn’t just easier—it’s more supportive.

What Employers Gain

  • Predictable talent pipelines
  • More qualified candidates
  • Better collaboration with workforce partners
  • A regional strategy aligned with industry needs

When employers succeed, jobs stay local—and communities grow stronger.

Why This Matters for Central Ohio

The region is experiencing unprecedented industrial growth. But families are facing rising costs, and employers need skilled talent. The Hub ensures that:

  • Growth benefits local residents
  • Training leads directly to good jobs
  • Families have the supports they need to succeed

This is how we turn economic momentum into shared prosperity.

Call to Action

Be Part of a Better Workforce System

Whether you're a job seeker, service provider, or employer, you have a role in shaping Central Ohio’s future.

➡️ Connect with the Central Ohio Regional Workforce Hub to get involved, collaborate, or learn how this system can support your goals.

📧 connect@centralohiowdn.org

🔗 www.centralohiowdn.org