Ohio TechCred is a relatively new program that promotes technical training to build a stronger skilled workforce within the state.
The TechCred program offers reimbursement to eligible employers that enroll Ohio-based employees in technical trainings.
This is a state-funded program with the goal of building a culture of tech-based advancements in Ohio.
Since inception, more than 100,000 credentials have been earned, which has equated to $70 million in reimbursements to employers from the state.
Credentials is an overarching term used by the program that includes both certificates and certifications.
A certificate is defined as something earned by individuals who successfully complete a training, course, or series of courses. A certification, on the other hand, is earned by individuals who pass a standardized assessment that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skill, or competency in a particular specialty.
Organizations can receive up to $180,000 in reimbursements from Ohio for covered technical trainings.
There is a wide range of credentials available and eligible to employers and employees, from robotics/automation and information technology to business technology, manufacturing technology and more. View the full list of credentials available. However, Ohio does not allow internal training to qualify for reimbursement, so these credentials must be issued by third parties, of which there are numerous available.
To qualify for reimbursement, the employer must have a physical Ohio address and be a registered Ohio business. The employees receiving the credentials must be Ohio resident employees or prospective Ohio employees, which is loosely defined as someone who will be moving into the state before reimbursement is issued. They must be actual employees and not independent contractors. Lastly, it is required that the employer make the up-front investment to support the costs of the trainings, as this is a reimbursement-based program.
To get started, Ohio businesses should first identify skill needs and which employees they want to participate.
Then, it is necessary to partner with a credential provider (see list of providers through the link above).
Next, apply for TechCred’s pre-approval before enrolling any employees into programs so there are no issues with reimbursement down the road.
Once approved, enroll any eligible employees into the programs.
The employees will then complete the courses and receive confirmation from the providers which must be uploaded to the state to receive reimbursement.
The most an employer can receive in reimbursements is $180,000 per year. This total is divided into six periods throughout the year, with each period allowing up to $30,000 and each credential capped at $2,000.
There are no limitations on the number of employees, just the dollar amounts.
It is even possible to have one employee be responsible for all your costs, and full reimbursement would be issued if the thresholds stated before were not breached.
The next TechCred application will open on Sept. 2 and close on Sept. 30.
If this may benefit your business, please visit the TechCred website and learn more about the available options for strengthening your employees' skills and knowledge.
The next application window opens on Nov. 1 if you happen to miss the September deadline.
The TechCred program has so much to offer and is incredibly expansive. Ohio is encouraging our workforce to grow and be at the forefront of developments in the future.