Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who oversees the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, this week launched the innovative, new TechCred program, which aims to enhance Ohio’s skilled workforce by reimbursing employers who help current or new employees earn industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials. Because boosting Ohio’s manufacturing talent pool is a key goal of the program, here are some important details for OMA members:

• Businesses will identify the specific, technology-centric qualifications they need, as well as the employee(s) they want to upskill.
• To qualify for reimbursement of training costs, the employer must partner with a training provider and apply online. Individuals listed in an employer’s application must be Ohio residents with a verifiable Ohio address.
• The state will reimburse up to $2,000 per credential, with a limit of one reimbursement per employee in each funding round.
• Employers can receive up to a total of $30,000 per funding round, and businesses of all sizes are eligible, according to the program guidelines.
• The application period begins Tuesday, Oct. 1, and ends Oct. 31.

The OMA was a strong supporter of the provision in Ohio’s new two-year budget that appropriated $30 million to support this credentialing program. The state intends to fund 20,000 credentials over the next two years. For questions regarding TechCred, use this email address. 9/25/2019