While October 2 is recognized as Manufacturing Day, the State of Ohio is celebrating October as Manufacturing Month. This recognizes the critical role these industries play in helping Ohio maintain a strong economy. According to the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association, these industries generated $137.9 billion for Ohio’s economy and created 687,345 jobs, which helped Ohio to rank third nationally for employment in these fields.
Throughout October, there will be many career expos, open hours, networking, and hiring events held across the state to encourage more people to pursue a job in a manufacturing field. Check with your local chamber of commerce, economic and workforce partnerships agency, and community college to locate Manufacturing Month events near you. Great Lakes Science Center will also host Manufacturing Day 2026 on October 2 to show Northeast Ohio students the many career paths available in advanced manufacturing.
And how can Ohio 529 CollegeAdvantage help your children have a career in manufacturing?
Ohio 529 accounts can be used to pay qualified costs at many different types of schools after high school including trade, vocational, technical schools, credential, and certificate programs as well as apprenticeships that are verified by the U.S. Department of Labor.
So, when you save for their future education at a trade or vocation school or apprenticeship in an Ohio 529 account, you can make a tax-free withdrawal to pay for:
- Tuition;
- Mandatory fees;
- Computer equipment and related technology as well as internet services;
- Books, supplies, and equipment related to enrollment and class schedule;
- Qualified apprenticeship costs such as fees, textbooks, supplies, and equipment like required trade tools. The apprenticeship program must be registered with the Secretary of Labor’s National Apprenticeships Act to use a 529 plan withdrawal. Interested parties can check the U.S. Labor Department’s search tool to confirm that a program is registered, and therefore, eligible for a 529 withdrawal.
529s can be used to cover the following expenses for recognized post-secondary credential program to obtain or maintain a recognized post-secondary credential such as:
- Tuition and fees: Payments to eligible post-secondary trade or technical schools.
- Exam and license fees for professional certifications and credentials.
- Continuing education such as required courses to maintain professional certification.
- Required equipment such as computers, software, or internet access if required by the program.
- Mandatory textbooks, tools, or materials for enrollment.
Since 1989, Ohio 529 CollegeAdvantage has been helping families across the nation save for their children’s college or career training after high school. Ohio 529 covers qualified costs at any accredited four-year college or university, two-year community college, trade, or vocational school, certificate, or credential program nationwide that accepts federal financial aid, as well as any apprenticeship approved by the U.S. Labor Department. Learn, plan, and start for as little as $25 today at CollegeAdvantage.
