Lt. Governor Jon Husted recently announced the formal launching of TechCred, a program that connects businesses with the talent they need and gives employees the ability to earn industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials, better preparing them for a job in today’s advanced, technology-infused economy. Through TechCred, businesses can identify the specific qualifications they need and employees they want to upskill toward a more advanced position. In partnership with a training provider, the employer can apply online at TechCred.Ohio.Gov.
Ohio’s TechCred Program gives businesses the chance to upskill current and future employees to help them qualify for a better job in today’s tech-infused economy. Businesses that submit successful applications will be reimbursed, up to $2,000 per credential, when current or prospective employees complete technology-focused credentials. Employers are capped at $30,000 total for reimbursement purposes.
Ohio companies interested in investing in their current or prospective employees by connecting them with technology-focused credentials can apply. An initial list of eligible credentials is provided, but employers can request a credential be added to the eligibility list by submitting an application for TechCred to be reviewed by a panel of stakeholders. For this first round of funding, $12.3 million has been allocated for reimbursement to employers. The application period runs from October 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019. Awards will be announced at some point after that date once application review has concluded.
TechCred is intended to reimburse employers for the cost of sending employees to an eligible provider to earn a credential. Employers will apply for assistance on behalf of their employees. Individual employees seeking a credential will not be able to apply for reimbursement under this component of the TechCred Program. There will be a second component to the program at some point in the future permitting individuals to apply for assistance.
Eligible credentials have been identified and are posted on the TechCred website (https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred), and are determined to be eligible based on the following three criteria:
• Short-term;
• Industry-recognized; and
• Technology-focused.
Eligible providers are identified under the program guidelines as: universities (public and private), community colleges, technical centers, and private training providers. Please contact Dave Robinson at [email protected] if you need assistance in applying for these funds.