Ohio’s TechCred Program Returns with Expanded Opportunities for Manufacturers

Manufacturers facing skilled workforce gaps now have a refreshed pathway to develop talent in-house. Ohio’s TechCred program, which reimburses employers for workforce development costs, opens for applications October 1, 2026 and runs through October 30, 2026, with updated guidelines designed to better align training with industry needs.

What Changed This Year

The Ohio Department of Development strengthened TechCred’s focus on technology-driven skills and industry-aligned credentials. The program now operates under a curated list of approved training programs, ensuring employers invest in certifications that match real job market demand.

For manufacturers, this means clearer pathways to develop workers in areas like advanced manufacturing, automation, industrial controls, and digital fabrication.

How the Reimbursement Works

Employers apply on behalf of their employees and select eligible credential programs. Once approved, the employer covers the training cost, then receives reimbursement after the employee completes the credential.

The funding structure:

• Up to $1,000 reimbursement per employee, per credential
• Maximum $30,000 per application period
• Covers credentials completed in less than 12 months, or programs with fewer than 900 clock hours or 30 credit hours
• Training must result in an industry-recognized certification

Eligible Training Providers

For the specific list of approved training providers and programs in your area, visit the TechCred website at development.ohio.gov. You can search by credential type, location, and industry.

Timeline and Next Steps

Application opens: October 1, 2026

Before you apply:

1. Identify the technical skills gaps in your workforce
2. Determine which credentials or certifications would address those gaps
3. Select eligible training programs from the approved provider list (available at development.ohio.gov)
4. Calculate estimated costs per employee and the total number of employees you plan to enroll

Manufacturers with 10–15 employees pursuing credentials could potentially see reimbursement in the $10,000–$15,000 range, depending on program costs and approval.

Additional details regarding this program are available here.

For questions about this program or for other support available for manufacturers, contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions by calling (330) 758-8613 or through email at manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.