An Employee Retention and Recruitment Strategy: Building Skills through Ohio’s TechCred Program

Employers seeking ways to retain and recruit employees have another opportunity to receive support to help employees build technology related skills. The Ohio Office of Workforce Transformation has announced a new round of TechCred, which is open until June 30 at 3:00 PM.

TechCred supports credentials including in manufacturing technology, business technology, cybersecurity, robotics, and information technology. In addition, businesses may request approval for unlisted certifications. Eligible credentials include those that meet the following criteria:

  • Certificates earned via training(s) or course(s) or by passing a standardized test
  • Industry-recognized
  • Completed in less than one calendar year in programs that are fewer than 900 clock hours or 30 credit hours
  • Technology focused
  • Online and distance-learning programs are permitted and encouraged

Eligible employers can receive up to $2,000 per credential to cover costs including tuition, lab fees, manuals, textbooks, and certification costs, and up to $30,000 per employer per funding round. Funding will be provided as a reimbursement after the current or prospective employee successfully completes their program and obtains the approved credential.

Applications will be reviewed competitively based on any wage increase provided compared to the credential cost, the level of economic distress in the employer’s region, and the employer’s contribution toward the cost of the credential.

Employers interested in TechCred should visit techcred.ohio.gov. For more information or to discuss support available for manufacturers, contact HBK Manufacturing Solutions, by calling 330-758-8613 or emailing manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.

About the Author(s)

Amy M. Reynallt, MBA
Amy Reynallt is a Manager with the HBK Manufacturing Solutions Group in the Youngstown, Ohio office of HBK CPAs & Consultants. She is experienced in navigating the strategic and financial matters associated with manufacturing and works closely with manufacturers to help them plan, execute, and meet their short- and long-term financial goals. Amy can be reached at 330-758-8613 or by email at areynallt@hbkcpa.com.

Hill, Barth & King LLC has prepared this material for informational purposes only. Any tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or under any state or local tax law or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding the matter.

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