5 things to know about jobs coming and the need for trained workers in the Dayton region

Joby Aviation Inc., a much-watched player in the emerging field of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft — often called “flying cars” — build an aircraft production operation near Dayton International Airport that is expected to bring up to 2,000 new jobs. PROVIDED

Joby Aviation Inc., a much-watched player in the emerging field of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft — often called “flying cars” — build an aircraft production operation near Dayton International Airport that is expected to bring up to 2,000 new jobs. PROVIDED
Business
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Jan 31, 2024
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Thousands of new jobs are expected to come soon to Montgomery County and to Licking and Fayette counties, where plants built by Intel and Honda/LG Solutionare expected to draw workers and suppliers from the Dayton/Springfield/Butler County region.

That makes workforce development and talent attraction and retention even more important, according to experts interviewed by this news outlet.

Twenty people from the business, real estate, economic development, government, social services, academic, performing arts and financial sectors were interviewed about the region’s economic outlook and top priorities for 2024.

ExploreDayton and surrounding region economic outlook is strong for 2024

Here are five things to know:

1. Joby Aviation Inc. will manufacture electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at or near the Dayton International Airport and employ up to 2,000 people. Sierra Nevada Corp. is already at the airport and committed to 150 jobs once two aviation maintenance and overhaul hangars are fully operational, and could add 500 more if it wins new work it is bidding on.

The $4.4 billion EV battery plant built by Honda and LG, which is expected to create 2,200 jobs, is under construction in Fayette County, just east of Greene County, employing hundreds of construction workers. A year ago, Chair Jerome Powell warned that the Fed was prepared to be similarly aggressive toward high inflation, saying its rate hikes would cause “some pain” in the form of higher unemployment. At a news conference last week, he suggested that a soft landing remains a “possible," if not guaranteed, outcome. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

Credit: Jim Noelker

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Credit: Jim Noelker

2. Construction began last year on Intel’s $20 billion semiconductor plants near Columbus, which are expected to employ 3,000 people and on a $4.4 billion Honda/LG Solution electric vehicle battery plant in Fayette County, expected to employ 2,200 workers.

ExploreNew jobs, tight labor market keep workforce at top of region’s priorities in 2024

3. Economic development efforts in the 12-county JobsOhio west region in 2023 netted 5,212 job commitments, 5,806 retained jobs, $383.28 million in new payroll and $1.07 billion in capital investment, according to Dayton Development Coalition data.

Julie Sullivan is executive vice president of regional development at the Dayton Development Coalition

Credit: Knack Video + Photo

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Credit: Knack Video + Photo

4. “Supporting talent growth, retention, and attraction is necessary for our region to maintain its economic momentum,” said Julie Sullivan, executive vice president of regional development for the Dayton Development Coalition. “This is an effort that will require strong partnerships and cooperation across industry, academia, K-12 education, and a long list of additional partners. It’s critical we get this right.”

ExploreStrong labor market is boon for Ohio workers, report says

5. Aside from workforce development, the region also requires enough housing for workers so “we need to see an increase in housing inventory and more new construction entering our communities to support Miami Valley job growth,” said Kelly McCormick, president of Dayton Realtors and vice president of operations at Coldwell Banker Heritage.

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Dayton and surrounding region economic outlook is strong for 2024

New jobs, tight labor market keep workforce at top of region’s priorities in 2024

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Lynn Hulsey is an investigative reporter focusing on business, the economy, government and politics.