In order to create an equitable work environment for immigrants and refugees within our Central Ohio economy, a variety of changes are required. By centering on racial equity and the qualifications and skills of immigrants and refugees via unified economic and workforce development policies and programs, we will be able to enhance our current economy and ultimately elevate residents of the Central Ohio region.
Welcoming Plan Goals
Position immigrants and refugees for economic advancement by creating a strong, coordinated infrastructure pathway for career advancement and certification.
Create an ecosystem to support the whole individual by providing workforce and educational opportunities and training, as well as wraparound services from nonprofit organizations.
Raise awareness in Central Ohio communities regarding the need to understand immigrant and refugee cultural, race, equity, and social justice barriers.
See more policies created by policymakers, businesses, and intermediaries to align stakeholders in workforce and economic development and incorporate racial equity, community voice, and neighborhood needs.
Welcoming City Strategies
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Investigate the different means of transportation that can be provided for immigrants and refugees (New Americans) for work opportunities.
Provide racial and cultural training for employers and employees to enhance their ability to hire, retain, and promote people of color.
Incentivize employers, institutions, and organizations to adopt formal training.
Simplify the hiring process by encouraging hiring based on skill, as opposed to education level.
Create and uphold policies that support foreign credential recognition.
Collaborate with existing organizations and institutions to create pathway guides for internationally trained professionals to assist them in gaining recognition for their credentials.
Expand on career pathways that start with entry level positions in target sectors with good employment prospects.
Establish policies that promote mutual understanding and support advancement and retention such as mentorship programs, Lunch and Learn events, Employee Resource Groups, and additional networking activities.
Ensure a safe and productive work environment by providing critical accommodations and bilingual materials for immigrants and refugees, for whom English is a second language.
Offer contextualized English training programs, bilingual training videos, and translated documents in the workplace.
Provide greater accessibility to English as a Second Language (ESL) courses near places of employment or in the workplace.
Provide wraparound services, such as mental health services and assistance with identifying affordable safe housing.
Establish relationships with nonprofit service providers that are linguistically and culturally proficient.
Hire cultural liaisons at the city, county, and places of employment.
Provide more opportunities to develop skills such as paid internships and apprenticeships.
Encourage leaders to set race-forward goals for workforce development systems.
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Bring jobs to the people and people to the jobs by creating more reliable means of transportation and encouraging employers to host shifts that are more in sync with transportation timelines.
Expand the number and locations of apprenticeships, paid internships, and entry-level positions that have better employment prospects and that support people of color, immigrants, and refugees.
Collaborate with state certification boards and the Ohio General Assembly to establish legislation recognizing foreign credentials.