BGSU earns Gold Star designation from Ohio Manufacturers’ Association for preparing students for manufacturing careers in Ohio

The University is one of three public universities in Ohio to receive the designation in the inaugural Workforce Training Directory

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association recently recognized Bowling Green State University with its highest designation for its commitment to strengthening the state’s manufacturing workforce.

Bowling Green is one of only three public universities in Ohio and among just seven institutions statewide to receive the Gold Star designation in the inaugural Workforce Training Directory. Four additional institutions earned silver-tier recognition. The statewide program helps manufacturers identify education and training providers, build partnerships and connect with programs that align with their workforce needs.

Ryan Augsburger, OMA president, announced the program's launch during BGSU’s Advanced Manufacturing Summit, where he moderated a panel discussion on leadership in manufacturing featuring executives from Whirlpool, GROB Systems and Owens Corning.

“The future of manufacturing won't be decided by who has the best machines. It will be decided by who has the people to run them, improve them and invent what's next,” Augsburger said. “BGSU understands that talent is Ohio's competitive advantage, and they're helping us build it.”

Bowling Green’s comprehensive approach to preparing students for careers in one of Ohio’s largest industries extends beyond the classroom and is strengthened by partnerships with manufacturers across the state.

“We are honored to receive the Gold Star designation from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, which recognizes our commitment to preparing students for careers in an industry vital to Ohio’s economy,” said Steve Russell, BGSU chief partnerships officer. “By connecting classroom learning with hands-on experiences, emerging technologies and industry professionals, we are helping students develop the skills and connections they need to succeed in the workforce.”

The recognition comes as BGSU, ranked the No. 2 public university in the nation for career preparation, expands its efforts to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.

This week, the University announced the Advanced Manufacturing Career Accelerator, the first of several industry-specific career accelerators planned at Bowling Green. The initiative will provide students in a variety of majors with hands-on learning experiences aligned with workforce needs.

In addition to offering degree programs aligned with manufacturing careers, BGSU connects students with industry professionals who share their expertise in the classroom and help students build professional relationships.

Students also work on real-world challenges from manufacturers, gaining practical experience while applying what they’ve learned in the classroom, tour manufacturing facilities and explore career pathways firsthand.

BGSU engineering students learn in a state-of-the-art facility designed to replicate modern manufacturing environments, gaining hands-on experience with advanced technology, including humanoid robots and 3D metal printers that are not yet widely used in industry. 

The Workforce Training Directory features an inaugural group of 11 education and training institutions. Gold Star institutions earned the distinction for their engagement in employer-aligned training, career awareness, talent development and work-based learning.

The directory complements OMA’s broader workforce development efforts, including the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model, which establishes a common understanding of the knowledge and skills required for critical manufacturing occupations.