Top Talent
The Columbus Region’s workforce is diverse, young, and highly educated, with one of the nation’s highest concentrations of millennials.
Prepared for Success
Whether you need to recruit engineers, professionals, artists, or mechanics, the Columbus Region has the talent you’re looking for.
22,000
ANNUAL COLLEGE GRADUATES
57
COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, AND TECHINCAL SCHOOL CAMPUSES
1.2M
TOTAL WORKFORCE
Drawing On Talent
The Columbus Region’s workforce is highly educated and prepared to hit the ground running on behalf of the Region’s organizations. A high concentration of colleges and universities yield prepared leaders in business, the arts and the sciences each year. And a long tradition of manufacturing and many trade schools provide a workforce that understands the nuances of a manufacturing environment.
Attracting More Talent
The presence of innovative companies and the high quality of life in the Columbus Region attract bright young minds from around the world. Top 10 large metro in the U.S. for concentration of young professionals.
Keeping Talent Here
The Columbus Region’s low cost of living offers an affordable market for employers and workers alike, helping employers find top talent faster and at a better value than in other markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Workforce & Talent in the Columbus Region
Explore workforce services, talent pipelines, and the competitive advantages that support business growth in the Columbus Region.
What workforce services are available in the Columbus Region?
The Columbus Region offers end-to-end workforce support through a network of regional partners.
Services include:
- Talent attraction strategies
- Workforce development and training programs
- Employer connections to local recruiting resources
- Guidance on best practices for hiring and retention
Dedicated teams help companies navigate the local talent landscape and connect with the right partners.
How does the Columbus Partnership assist companies with recruiting or retaining talent?
The Partnership and its partners provide tailored support based on each company’s needs. This includes:
- Sharing regional and industry best practices
- Providing market insights on workforce trends
- Connecting companies to recruiting and training resources
- Advising on strategies to remain competitive in the talent market
Are there incentives or programs to help companies hire out-of-state talent?
Yes. Through partners such as JobsOhio, companies may access programs including:
- Talent Acquisition Services (TAS)
- JobsOhio Workforce Grants
- Public workforce training funds
One Columbus helps connect companies to the appropriate programs and partners.
What makes the Columbus Region workforce unique?
The Columbus Region workforce is defined by strong collaboration among employers, educators, and workforce partners. This network works quickly to connect companies with the talent, training programs, and resources they need.
What is the workforce like in the Columbus Region?
The Columbus Region offers a diverse and growing talent pipeline supported by higher education, technical training, and workforce development programs. Key strengths include:
- A high concentration of public and private colleges and universities, including The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, Capital University, and more.
- Strong retention of graduates in the local workforce
- Technical and vocational programs in advanced manufacturing, robotics, trades, and IT
- Custom training partnerships between employers and education providers
The Region also offers a strong quality of life:
- Cost of living approximately 10% below the national average
- Affordable housing options across urban, suburban, and rural communities
- Strong job opportunities with global companies
Contact Us
One Columbus, the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region, is on deck to help your business find its place here. Together we’ll secure your growing business’s future in our thriving business ecosystem.