Columbus Region Workforce

The Columbus Region is home to 20 colleges and universities in the Columbus region with a total enrollment of 110,000 students and  20,000 annual graduates. With nearly 1 million potential employees in the Columbus Region, a median age of 34.9  and a Midwest work ethic - we're young educated and dedicated. Columbus has job training incentives and training providers that support business. Our productivity is characterized by low (15.3%) manufacturing unionization and high ($175,108.00) value-added. With a great quality of life, competitive wage rates and growth of labor-shed that outpaces the nation, the Columbus Region is a great place to do business.

Read more about Columbus, Ohio's quality of life.

Workforce Resources

In 2006, the Columbus Chamber, in partnership with public and private organizations, launched a three-pronged initiative to attract and retain the workforce needed by our businesses today and tomorrow.

ColumbusInternships.com - connecting higher-education to the business community

Research shows that connecting college students with meaningful internship opportunities heightens the chance that they will stay in our community. Connecting our 20 colleges and universities and the Columbus business community, the Columbus Chamber has created a Web site where college students can obtain meaningful internships with local employers. ColumbusInternships.com will connect graduates to local businesses, provide valuable work experience that employers demand, and strengthen the relationship between the academic community and the business community. Resource: www.ColumbusInternships.com.

Young professionals - increasing connectivity and engagement for the young and talented

Young professionals are the future of our workforce. We are developing strategies to attract, retain and engage this energetic, educated and highly mobile workforce. Engaging young professionals now ensures future workforce development needs will be met—despite the retirement of baby boomers. Looking to get your young employees engaged in the community, we can help. 
Resources: Our more than 50 young professional organizations, the Chamber's young professionals manager, Robbie Banks and the Attracting and Retaining Talent findings and recommendations.

LiveWorkPlayColumbus.com - an employer resource to "sell" Columbus to relocating employees

Working with the human resource and recruitment community, the Chamber has developed a comprehensive Web site to assist Columbus region employers in "selling" the region to prospective employees. DVDs promoting the strengths and attributes of the region are available for purchase in the Chamber Store. 
Resource: www.liveworkplayColumbus.com.

Get involved
Andrea J. Applegate
Director, Workforce Development - Attract & Retain Talent
614.225.6900