Following U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s short discussion with our host, Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA) in Cleveland, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss some of the changes made at the organization over the past 53 years.
In 1971, the ULA opened its doors to help improve Cleveland’s workforce and economy. Originally, the organization was focused solely on the economic issues many faced in Northeast Ohio. Megenhardt talked about the transition over many years to workforce development. He talked about the importance of ensuring there is a knowledge base for future success in the workforce.
Megenhardt discussed how they have helped Northeast Ohio residents looking for a new job, switching industries or searching for their first job. He talked about some programs they now have to help workers in person and digitally. Megenhardt added that someone can get training and educational certifications through the ULA.
In 2023, Megenhardt said they helped more than 2,500 individuals find new jobs and put another 1,000 people into training programs. The ULA seeks to guide people through every step of a job or career change, and not just a place they visit once and never see again, he said. Finally, Megenhardt shared a success story for someone they’ve previously worked with a letter of gratitude they received. With all the changes that have occurred with different industries in Northeast Ohio, he said the ULA is still there to support the future of workers.
To hear more from Megenhardt, please listen to the show above.