Ohio Launches New Online Tool to Help Jobseekers

WorkOhio connects residents to resources for finding employment, training, and career advancement

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:31am

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The state of Ohio has launched a new online platform called WorkOhio to help residents find jobs, advance their careers, and overcome barriers to employment. The website connects jobseekers to regional hubs that can assist with completing education, updating resumes, and exploring new career paths.

Why it matters

Ohio's labor force participation rate has remained stagnant in recent years, and the state's median wage has only slightly outpaced inflation over the past 25 years. The new WorkOhio tool aims to increase workforce participation and average compensation across the state by making it easier for residents to access job-related resources and support.

The details

WorkOhio is a one-stop shop that allows jobseekers to fill out an online form and receive a response from a representative within two business days. The platform connects to seven regional hubs that can assist with completing high school diplomas, updating resumes, and exploring new career paths. WorkOhio also offers specialized resources for veterans, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with prior convictions.

  • WorkOhio was launched on January 29, 2026.
  • Ohio's labor force participation rate was 62.3% in December 2025, effectively stagnating from 62.4% in December 2024.

The players

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel

Promoted the new WorkOhio tool at an event in Columbus on January 29, 2026.

Jennifer Friel

President at Mid West Fabricating Company, who discussed the real challenges that rural employers face in finding reliable transportation and affordable childcare for potential employees.

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What they’re saying

“We want it to be simple. Here's the front door. Open it up. Let's get you started. We want to get you to the right person.”

— Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel (The Columbus Dispatch)

“Speaking as a rural employer, there are real challenges. Transportation is huge. Reliable transportation for families that would like to work is difficult. Reliable and affordable and accessible daycare, this is another huge problem that a lot of people deal with.”

— Jennifer Friel, President, Mid West Fabricating Company (The Columbus Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

While the new WorkOhio tool provides a valuable resource for jobseekers in Ohio, the state must also address broader barriers to employment, such as lack of transportation, childcare, and the benefits cliff, in order to truly increase workforce participation and average compensation across the state.