Whether you are an employer or are in the economic and workforce development profession, upskilling your existing workforce is a necessity to stay competitive and grow your business.
This week, Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced a third round of funding through the Ohio TechCred program will open on Monday, March 2 and run through the end of the month. The TechCred program is just one of Ohio’s many workforce development programs designed to upskill current and future employees and is focused on helping Ohioans and Ohio employers grow the skills needed to compete in the fast-paced, tech-infused economy.
Through the TechCred Program, employers are eligible for up to $2,000 in reimbursement per credential earned, up to a maximum of $30,000 per employer and per funding round, when current or prospective employees complete eligible technology-focused, industry-recognized credentials. The state defines a credential as both certificates and certifications earned. Ohio employers of any size and across all industry sectors looking for technology-focused upskilling are eligible to apply.
Why TechCred? Technology credentials demonstrate competencies necessary to succeed in occupations that utilize technology to develop, build, and deliver products and services. These types of credentials specifically benefit employers who develop and deploy investments in areas such as software development, advanced manufacturing, data analytics, cybersecurity, computer hardware and design, military applications and other emerging fields.
Program Highlights. For employers interested in applying for TechCred funding reimbursements, the state of Ohio has streamlined the application process. Employers are to file one online application (TechCred.Ohio.Gov) that includes all employees they wish to receive credentials. The Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) then reviews all applications and scores the applications based on an employer’s ability to pledge wage increases in relation to the credential costs; the amount of employer contribution to the overall credential costs; and consideration for the level of economic distress in the employees’ region.
One of the most attractive benefits to the TechCred program is the state’s desire for all credential training to be completed in 12 months or less and is less than 30 credit hours, using certified providers for ease of program access. Eligible training options include universities, community colleges, technical centers, and private training providers.
Eligible Categories and Examples of Credentials. The state has identified 379 in-demand technology-focused programs that employees may enroll in. A snapshot of some programs includes:
- Business technology – Adobe programs, ADAS Diagnostics & Service Procedures, Certified Horticulture Technician, and Digital Marketing Certification
- Healthcare technology – Computed Tomography, Electrocardiography, Healthcare IT, and Microbiology Analyst
- IoT and Cybersecurity – (ISC)2 Certified Cloud Security, AWS Certifications, Allen Bradley FactoryTalk, multiple Cisco Certifications, Microsoft and Salesforce
- Military and Smart Transportation – FAA Drone Technology UAS, Homeland Security, and Master Fleet Technician Training
- Construction technology – Highway Construction Inspection Levels II-IV, Industrial Maintenance, and PE Certification
- Information technology – CompTIA, Data Analytics, HVAC Design, IBM Cognos, Java, Microsoft, and Oracle
- Manufacturing technology – Lathe essentials, MSSC Certified Production Technician, Mastercam, NIMS, PLC Programming, Material Handling, and Rockwell Automation
- Robotics/Automation – Universal Robots Core & Advanced Training, FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman, and Miller Welding Automation
Do you know of employers in your community in need of upskilling their workforce? Contact Jamie Beier Grant at [email protected] or (419) 707-0164 if you or any of your employers are interested in applying for OhioTech Cred funding.