COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) will be partnering with the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition alongside other organizations and training providers to prepare individuals to work in electric vehicle battery production facilities.

This is all part of a $5 million grant from Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine to provide training and credentialing opportunities for 700 individuals across 18 counties in Northeast Ohio.

"As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, supporting training programs ensures that Ohio workers are ready to support the next generation of manufacturing," DeWine said.

For the northeast Ohio project, known as "Charged Up," ODJFS will partner with the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition as well as the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network and a network of education and training providers to prepare folks to work in these facilities.

The Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation also committed an additional $1.5 million in matching funds to support and sustain these efforts.