Updated on 3/26/2020 at 12:00 pm.
In talking with the Lt. Governor's office, we got this update regarding TechCred and laid off employees: "TechCred can be used to train both current and prospective employees. "So, the employer can train that employee during the layoff period and be reimbursed, as long as the employee is on the payroll at the point when the employer seeks reimbursement."
Applications will be accepted through next Tuesday, March 31, 2020. There may be another round in May, depending on funding.
Original Information via Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced today that the next application period of the TechCred program will open March 2nd and run through March 31st.
“Momentum for TechCred is growing with Ohio businesses as our job creators are seeking to upskill their employees,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “We are on our way to the goal of helping 10,000 Ohioans earn an in-demand, tech credential that will create jobs and opportunity for people in every part of the state.”
Applications were approved for 234 employers in the October funding round, resulting in 1,576 credentials that will upskill Ohio workers. Awards from the January funding round will be available later this month, once the application scoring has been completed.
“These credentials will ensure Ohio has the workforce and talent to continue driving innovation and technology across the state,” said Development Services Agency (DSA) Director Lydia Mihalik. “They will help Ohio businesses grow and put workers on a path to higher-paying jobs.”
The credential list includes those in the following areas
- Business Technology
- Healthcare Technology
- IoT and Cybersecurity
- Military and Smart Transportation
- Construction Technology
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Robotics/Automation
TechCred asks employers to identify the specific qualifications they need and employees they want to upskill toward a more advanced position. Then, in partnership with a training provider, the employer can apply online at TechCred.Ohio.gov and the state will reimburse up to $2,000 of training upon completion of a credential.
“Technology is constantly evolving, and the TechCred program allows Ohio’s workers and their employers to evolve and grow with it, which benefits our workforce, our businesses, and our state,” said Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner.
TechCred fulfills a commitment made by Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted to fund the completion of 10,000 microdegrees each year in order to aid in closing the skills gap for growing technology jobs.
You can learn more about the program at TechCred.Ohio.Gov.
