LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: Ohio Department of Commerce

  • Ohio Department of Commerce Connects Skilled Trades to Second Chances

    Ohio Department of Commerce Connects Skilled Trades to Second Chances

    In an effort to introduce youth across the state to the opportunities available in the skilled trades, the Department of Commerce will host a virtual 30-minute webinar at noon on Thursday, May 8. This session is open to students, families, school administrators, guidance counselors, educators – anyone who plays a role in helping students make informed decisions about their futures. Individuals who are interested in attending the webinar can register by clicking here.

     

    COLUMBUS, OHIO – In recognition of In-Demands Jobs Week, the Ohio Department of Commerce has partnered with the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) to highlight how careers in the skilled trades can offer incarcerated youth opportunities to achieve professional and personal success following their release.

    Earlier today, Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield, Board of Building Standards Professional Development Director Meg Foley, and Ohio Contractor Administrator with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Michael Baisden visited the Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility. During their visit, they led two separate presentations involving approximately 50 youth who are approaching their date of release.

    The event marked the second year of a collaborative effort between Commerce and DYS to extend opportunity and guidance to youth within the juvenile justice system, underscoring a shared commitment to building brighter futures while preparing the workforce of tomorrow to fuel the state’s continued growth.

    Director Maxfield says it’s vital that steps are taken to introduce more youth to these high-demand careers.

    “Skilled trades represent the backbone of Ohio’s workforce,” said Maxfield. “The opportunities which they provide are life-changing, especially for these young individuals who still have their entire lives ahead of them. By engaging with these youth, we hope to help them understand that second chances do exist, and this unique opportunity can prepare them for rewarding futures. It will also enable Ohio to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving economy.”

    “This is about creating second chances and giving young people the tools to build successful lives,” said DYS Director Amy Ast. “Our staff do a tremendous job in hosting career resource fairs for youth and getting them trained in skills at our OhioMeansJobs centers in the facilities. We are thrilled to partner with the Department of Commerce to connect our youth with even more helpful knowledge and information that could open doors to fulfilling careers.”

    The discussions provided a high-level overview of the skilled trades in Ohio. In particular, they highlighted the increasing need for workers in the skilled trades; provided instructions on how youth can explore and search for opportunities; emphasized various benefits that jobs in the skilled trades provide; and identified pathways individuals can take to prepare for work in these critical fields.

    This visit comes as the need for Ohio workers in the skilled trades is growing greater by the day. The combination of an aging workforce and significant economic growth throughout the state has resulted in a widening workforce gap. As a result of this shortage, workers in construction trades such as carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electric, welding and pipefitting are highly sought after and can earn competitive salaries, even at the starting apprenticeship level. In addition, having a criminal background does not disqualify someone from pursuing a career in the skilled trades.

    According to the 2020-2030 Ohio Job Outlook published by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, an estimated 21,656 job openings in the skilled trades need to be filled annually through 2030. These positions offer competitive wages, strong benefits, and significant opportunities for career advancement, making them a key driver of Ohio’s workforce.

     

  • Unlocking Equal Opportunities: Understanding Your Fair Housing Rights

    Unlocking Equal Opportunities: Understanding Your Fair Housing Rights

    Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing offers tips, guide for first-time homebuyers during Fair Housing Month

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – As the spring temperatures and housing market warm up, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL) encourages first-time homebuyers to take advantage of April being Fair Housing Month by becoming acquainted with federal and state fair housing laws.

    “Fair Housing Month is a great opportunity to remind buyers who are new to the real estate process that the more they know, the easier the process will be for them to navigate,” said REPL Superintendent Daphne Hawk.

    First-time homebuyers accounted for 33% of market activity in Ohio last year, according to a study conducted by Ohio REALTORS in partnership with REPL.

    Ohio and federal law both prohibit discrimination in the buying, selling, or renting of real estate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Ohio law also prohibits discrimination based on ancestry or military status. Fair housing law covers discrimination in the offering, showing, selling, and renting of homes, apartments, condominiums and cooperatives.

    “Generally, it’s rare for an Ohio real estate agent or appraiser to have a fair housing complaint. Often times, discrimination occurs in rental housing because landlords may not fully understand their obligations under the law.” Hawk said. “It’s extremely important that property owners know what the law is, which is why we encourage them to access our Landlord’s Property Management Guide. This guide not only connects property owners with a range of fair housing resources, it also can help them find licensed property managers who may be a good fit to manage their properties.”

    In 2022, there were more than 33,000 complaints filed in the U.S. with private fair housing organizations, local and state Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies, and HUD. This includes more than 2,200 complaints filed in Ohio, a majority of which were disability-related complaints.

    The Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing may take action against a licensee if they are found to have engaged in unlawful discriminatory practices. Anyone who feels that he or she has been discriminated against is urged to contact the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Licensees have an obligation to notify the REPL superintendent immediately if they have been found to have violated laws pertaining to discrimination in housing and/or housing accommodations.

    The Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides virtual and in-person trainings for real estate agents on fair housing laws. Titled “Fair Housing Foundations,” the class takes a historical view of fair housing and civil rights as well as reviewing current housing, advertising and lending laws. Real estate agents participating in the class can receive three hours of civil rights credit. A list of upcoming classes is available here.

    For more information on fair housing resources, Ohioans can access the Division’s consumer guide at com.ohio.gov/FairHousingGuide.

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    The Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing is a state agency within the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio’s chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at www.com.ohio.gov.