Workforce Innovation

Work with US

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce supports and promotes business growth and success through connecting companies to underutilized talent pipelines. To meet the demand for a skilled and ready workforce, we provide access and connections to organizations and educational institutions who prepare the workforce of today and the coming years.

Adults with Varying Abilities

In 2022, an estimated 13.9% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in the United States had a disability, which translates to about 44.1 million people. In Central Ohio, partners like ARC Industries, Goodwill Columbus, and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) provide their clients (individual job seekers and businesses) with the support and training needed to create successful outcomes.

Our Local Adults with Varying Abilities Partners

Restored Citizens

One in six Ohioans has a felony or misdemeanor conviction, and one in three has a criminal record of some kind, including those with non-conviction arrests. A 2018 study estimated that roughly one in 11 Ohio adults had a felony conviction, according to Policy Matters Ohio. Central Ohio, which includes counties like Franklin, Delaware, and others, make up a significant portion of that statewide figure. Through Chamber-led conversations on Certificates for Qualification of Employment (CQE’s), we introduce talent and hiring leaders to an often-overlooked talent pool. Our local partners include Alvis, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC), and Ohio Poverty Law Center.

Our Local Restored Citizen Partners

Foreign Born Talent

The population growth in the Columbus MSA can largely be attributed to new Americans. In 2019, the MSA was home to 184,800 immigrants, with the immigrant population growing 22.2%. These foreign-born workers make up the workforce in several key industry sectors. Helping the business community with connections and education is critical to attracting and retaining foreign born talent.

– Transportation/Warehousing: 20.8%
– Manufacturing: 14.7%
– Healthcare/Social Service: 11.7%
– Hospitality: 10.4%
– Construction: 9.3%

Our local partners include Community Refugee and Immigrant Services (CRIS), Jewish Family Services, Riverview International, US Together, and Welcoming City.

Our Local Foreign Born Talent Partners

Mature Workers

Census Reporter estimates that 11% of Columbus residents are in the 40-49 age range, and 9% are in the 50-59 age range. A previous estimate suggested that 11% of Columbus residents are 65 years or older. This indicates that a significant portion of the population, likely at least 20%, is over the age of 50. Understanding the needs and accommodations for older workers either returning to employment or re-careering is essential to building a more seasoned workforce. With an abundance of experience, this talent pool represents excellent potential solutions to hiring needs. Our local partners include AARP, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA), and New Directions Career Center.

Our Local Mature Worker Partners

Emerging Talent

In the Columbus Region, which includes Central Ohio, there are approximately 23,000 high school graduates annually. The region also has a high school graduation rate of 93%. Connecting to students, their teachers and their families as early as elementary school is a best practice for introducing and educating on the jobs of today and tomorrow. Through work-based learning and programs like Careers 2 Classrooms, the Columbus Chamber has taken a lead role in creating opportunities through bootcamps, panel series and connections to bridge the gap between employers and school districts. Our local partners include Columbus City Schools, Columbus State Community College, and the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO) (which serves 30+ local K-12 districts).