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A new round of TechCred funding is now available to Ohio manufacturers. TechCred funding, which provides reimbursement for employee training costs, reopens for applications on November 1. Manufacturers can apply for the funding until November 30 at 3:00 p.m.
What is TechCred?
Ohio’s TechCred program was created in 2019 and funded by House Bill 2 to allow employers to secure reimbursement for the costs associated with training their employees in manufacturing and technological skills. Ohio employers can receive up to $30,000 in reimbursement from each TechCred funding round, giving them several opportunities in a year to fund training that enhances their employees’ skills.
Universities, community colleges, Ohio technical centers, and private training providers are all eligible to provide TechCred credentialed training. Employers can choose the training provider they feel best fits the skills they require for their employees.
The application process
Businesses of all sizes and industries are eligible to participate if they employ Ohio residents. The first step in the process is to apply for an “OH ID” at supplier.ohio.gov. They will be assigned a supplier ID number to be used to begin their TechCred application at techcred.ohio.gov. Applicants will be required to submit their contact information, federal tax ID number, credential information (including the credential, training cost, and training provider for which they are seeking reimbursement), the requested reimbursement amount, the number of employees who will earn the credential, and the average wage of employees both before and after earning the credential.
A list of currently eligible credentials can be found at https://techcred.ohio.gov/about/credential-list. However, employers may also apply for reimbursement for training on credentials not found on this list at the same link under “Credential Not Listed” by submitting a syllabus, list of skills taught, and other attributes of the course for consideration.
How to Receive Reimbursement
After approval, employers have 12 months from the award date for their employees to complete their certification(s). Upon completion, employers will submit proof of credential and cost documentation at techcred.ohio.gov to obtain up to $2,000 per credential. Requests for reimbursement should be submitted no more than once a month during the grant period, and no later than six weeks after the credential is obtained. Employers should also provide a status update every six months to reflect whether credential projects are in process, completed, or cancelled.
Additional details on TechCred are available at https://techcred.ohio.gov/about. For more information, or to discuss support available for manufacturers, call HBK Manufacturing Solutions at 330-758-8613 or email manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.
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