Workforce Development

From Legislative Advocacy to Grassroots Initiatives and Online Innovation: A Holistic View of OGIA's Efforts to Shape the Future of the Green Industry Workforce

OGIA’S sole purpose is to support the success and growth of green industry businesses, and at the core of its mission is a long-standing commitment to workforce development. Through national partnerships, community outreach, online resources, and exclusive member benefits, OGIA implements a multifaceted approach to improving the industry’s access to a qualified labor pool.

NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

OGIA’s efforts to tackle the labor shortage include strategic partnerships with national associations. OGIA recently joined the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, a collective of hundreds of associations advocating for the bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act. This legislation seeks to expand the ways individuals can use funds from their 529 savings plans (statesponsored investment accounts that are exempt from federal taxes if funds are used to pay for qualifying education expenses). The Act would allow families to use their 529 plans to pay for post-secondary training and credentialing programs, such as professional licenses and certifications.

According to the Coalition, the majority of America’s workforce is composed of “middleskill jobs,” which require more than a high school education but not a bachelor’s degree. Changes to qualifying education expenses for 529 plans could open doors for job seekers who do not plan to attend a traditional college or university.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

At the grassroots level, OGIA is always looking for outreach opportunities to promote green industry careers. In September, OGIA hosted an interactive display at the Farm Science Review, a large agriculture tradeshow hosted by The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. OGIA representatives spoke with students from over 49 high schools, as well as parents and educators, about careers in the industry.

OHIO HIGH SCHOOL LANDSCAPE OLYMPICS

In October, OGIA hosted the 8th annual Ohio High School Landscape Olympics (OHLO), its flagship workforce development program that receives overwhelming support from green industry businesses. OHLO connects students with real-world experiences in a safe and nurturing environment; they compete in hands-on events to test their skills, network with green industry companies, and receive mentorship from industry professionals during the two-day event.

With over 200 students from at least a dozen high schools and career centers attending every year, OHLO makes a significant impact on educating and inspiring future green industry professionals—and promoting the industry to the public as well. Regional news outlets publish stories about the winners from their communities. Parents see a well-organized, safe, and professional event, showing them that the industry cares about developing the next generation of employees. Industry partners who get involved promote their brand, showcase their professionalism, and position themselves as a leader in the industry. Everyone benefits from this outstanding program.

For the 2023 event, OGIA partnered with SkillsUSA, a national, non-profit association promoting the skilled trades. OHLO is now considered a qualifying event for SkillsUSA’s Ohio state competition, which means students from OHLO can show off their talents alongside 5,000 student competitors, educators, and industry partners. The competition, which will be held in April in Columbus, Ohio, features 100 contests representing various industries.

ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES

OGIA recognizes the importance of the digital landscape in today’s job market. A recently revamped online career center (careers.ogia. org) has new features catering to employers and prospective employees, connecting talented individuals with green industry job opportunities more effectively.

Job seekers can now create a free account to upload their resumes for hiring managers and recruiters to view. They can also sign up for job posting notifications, request a free resume review, read career planning resources, and access premium career planning services from recruitment experts.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Members of OGIA enjoy valuable benefits to enhance their workforce development efforts. Through OGIA’s partnership with The Employer’s Association, OGIA members have access to a free “hotline” where members can seek guidance from HR experts. This service is especially helpful for small business owners who don’t have dedicated Human Resources staff and need assistance with questions regarding compensation, benefits packages, job descriptions, incentives, performance reviews, and other HR best practices.

In addition, OGIA offers HR-related webinars led by The Employer’s Association experts, available for viewing on demand at ogia.org/ professionaldevelopment).

INDUSTRY EDUCATION

OGIA strives to ensure its members are wellinformed on best practices and the tools needed to create a successful recruitment strategy for their businesses.

At OGIA’s recent midwestGREEN conference, an entire education track was dedicated to Human Resources-related information. Seven education sessions geared toward HR professionals and hiring managers included: an important H-2A and H-2B informational session presented by OGIA preferred service provider másLabor; a session sharing tips for recruiting

college students from Cuyahoga Community College; and a roundtable discussion with HR professionals from Willoway Nurseries and Five Seasons Landscape Management. These education events, of which more are sure to be planned for 2024, can’t be missed if you are a business owner who needs a competitive edge in recruitment and retention.

As always, to reap the most benefits of an association membership, you must get involved. Attend events regularly, read OGIA newsletters, and sponsor or support programs however you can. OGIA will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure a bright future for your industry.