Ohio TechCred Program

The Ohio TechCred Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development as part of the state’s workforce development strategy to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in a technology-driven economy. The program is designed to help employers invest in the upskilling of both current and prospective employees by subsidizing the cost of short-term, industry-recognized credentials. Through this initiative, the state aims to align workforce capabilities with the evolving needs of technology-focused industries, supporting economic growth and business retention across Ohio. The primary purpose of the TechCred Program is to provide financial reimbursement to employers that sponsor employees to complete approved credentials that enhance technical skills. These credentials must be industry-recognized, technology-focused, and short-term in nature, meaning they can be completed in less than twelve months and require fewer than thirty credit hours or nine hundred clock hours. The program emphasizes skills in areas such as software development, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and other emerging technology fields that contribute to economic productivity. Funding under the program is structured as a reimbursement model rather than an upfront grant. Employers may receive up to two thousand dollars per credential per employee, with a maximum reimbursement of thirty thousand dollars per application period. Eligible expenses include tuition, lab fees, textbooks, manuals, and certification costs, provided that these costs are paid by the employer and not the employee. Training must be delivered by an independent third-party provider, as internal training programs are not eligible for reimbursement. Eligibility for the program is limited to employers that are registered with the Ohio Secretary of State and maintain a physical, non-residential business location within Ohio. Employers must have W-2 employees who are Ohio residents, reported to the Ohio Unemployment Insurance Office, and subject to state income tax withholding. Both incumbent and prospective employees may be included, but independent contractors and 1099 workers are not eligible. Employers may submit only one application per application period, and state agencies and training providers delivering in-house training are excluded from participation. The application process requires employers to submit detailed organizational, credential, and trainee information through the TechCred online portal during designated application periods. Required details include employer identification information, selected credentials, cost breakdowns, training provider details, and the number of employees expected to earn each credential. Applications may be competitively scored based on regional economic distress and the employer’s financial contribution toward training costs. After approval, employers must ensure that training begins and ends within the grant agreement period and must submit reimbursement documentation within six weeks of credential completion. Evaluation and reimbursement depend on successful completion of the credential and submission of required documentation, including proof of completion, itemized invoices, and payment verification. Employers must also provide detailed employee information such as wages before and after credential attainment, residency, and employment status. The review process may take up to sixty days after the application period closes, and all documentation must be submitted through the designated portal as a single compiled file. The program operates on recurring application cycles, allowing employers to apply periodically as workforce needs evolve.

Increase employer cost share contribution and align applications with regional economic needs to improve competitiveness