About the Office of Workforce Development (OWD)

Mission statement

BUILDING Ohio’s Workforce, CREATING Innovative Solutions, PROMOTING Economic Independence and Growth

OWD provides information and tools to Ohio's workforce system. We interpret federal and state law and serve as primary policy-makers for workforce programs. The office administers federal programs that create a comprehensive statewide workforce system of employment services; hiring support and tax credits; and labor market information to employers and workers.

We support Ohio's Workforce Development Boards in operating OhioMeansJobs Centers, a single location to access employment and supportive services from federal, state, and local partners.

OWD also assists job seekers through OhioMeansJobs.com, an online job matching system that brings both employers and job seekers to one easy-to-use website.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs includes the dislocated worker program which assists laid-off employees in obtaining new jobs with comparable wages; adult programs that help eligible Ohioans find and retain meaningful employment; and as a clearinghouse of information for Ohio's youth on innovative programs that foster leadership, work experience, and literacy to prepare youth for careers. We track, manage, and report state and local performance data.

We partner with the Department of Higher Education, Ohio Development Services Agency, the Governor’s Office and the U.S. Department of Labor. Working together, we can maximize our state and federal resources to advance our workforce and our economy.

Visit our page to view additional OWD Programs.

Last updated 02/21/2019