Innovation Hub Partners with YSU to Grow Advanced Manufacturing Workforce
The Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense, managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), has partnered with Youngstown State University’s (YSU) Excellence Training Center (ETC) to grow availability of classes focusing on advanced manufacturing. As part of the Hub, YSU is supported by just under $1.7M in funding to create an integrated advanced manufacturing environment that boosts the capabilities of small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) and develops a robust manufacturing talent infrastructure, ultimately strengthening the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and enhancing U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
“This collaboration lays the groundwork for a stronger, more competitive Northeast Ohio manufacturing base,” said Jackie Ruller, Executive Director at ETC. “By providing access to a growing pipeline of skilled talent, the program signals long-term regional momentum that aligns with industry needs.”
Since 2021, ETC has served as a core facility for education and workforce initiatives, providing short-term, non-credit, stackable credential programs in robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), additive manufacturing (AM), industrial maintenance, cybersecurity, and new unmanned aerial systems (UAS) training. The short-term certification courses are tailored for existing workers, YSU students, and individuals re-entering the workforce, particularly those pursuing manufacturing careers, and can be completed in as little as a few hours or up to a week.
Instructor Randy Timblin (at right), assisting YSU workforce student during hands‑on training at the Rockwell Automation/Allen‑Bradley PLC lab.
The Innovation Hub is dedicated to advancing innovation and opportunity across the region. The program serves as a gateway to well-paying manufacturing careers by combining training and education with hands-on skill development for the aerospace and defense industries. It also helps participants build connections with local employers. Additionally, grant funding fully subsidizes ETC’s certification programs, making high-impact, industry-focused training accessible to students with financial barriers.
Impact and success
The programs also deliver immediate value to regional employers by upskilling the workforce in critical areas such as robotics programming, PLCs, and AM.
Robert Capper, Process Engineer at Boardman Molded Products, emphasized the significant impact of the robotics course. “With 30 years of manufacturing experience, attending ETC’s courses has significantly enhanced my knowledge, ultimately advancing my company’s capabilities,” he shared. “Access to robotics courses has enabled new applications for our existing equipment, boosting productivity and strengthening the company’s technological foundation.”
Since its launch, nearly 30 YSU students were issued certifications, demonstrating a growing interest and the program’s positive impact on building a skilled workforce to support defense manufacturing needs.
Strengthening Northeast Ohio’s talent pipeline
ETC’s advanced manufacturing certification programs, supported by the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense, are strengthening the DIB by supplying mission-ready talent with hands-on, industry-aligned training. These programs directly support the defense industry while accelerating modernization across Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing base. For defense and aerospace companies, this ecosystem delivers a clear advantage: a reliable pipeline of skilled workers, access to cutting-edge capabilities, and a region committed to scaling next-generation production.
