Ohio TechCred Application Period is Now Open

Date November 9, 2023
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Ben Wilcox

Ohio TechCred is a program that can help Ohio manufacturers and their employees develop new skills in recent technological advances. Manufacturing technology is constantly evolving, and this program allows employers to be reimbursed for their workforce receiving credentials while learning about technological advancements. Employers can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per credential earned, or $30,000 per funding round. A list of approved credentials, such as additive manufacturing and automation, can be found here. If a credential you desire is not yet approved, you can submit an application to request it to be added to the list.

The TechCred application is open from November 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023. Employers of all sizes are encouraged to apply, as any Ohio registered employer with W-2 employees is eligible. Application for the program is simple, as it only requires basic information such as federal tax ID, industry, and the number of Ohio employees, as well as some information about the credential. Visit https://techcred.ohio.gov/about/program-guidelines for more information on the process and to obtain a complete list of items needed to complete the application.

For any additional information on Ohio TechCred, visit https://techcred.ohio.gov/about. For any questions about this program or other support for manufacturers, contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions by calling 330-758-8613 or emailing manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.

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Ohio TechCred Accepting Applications in July

Date July 12, 2023
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Ben Wilcox

The labor market is still one of the main areas of concern among Ohio manufacturers, as it has been difficult to hire and retain qualified employees. It could be beneficial to upskill current employees to keep up with advances in technology and fill positions of need. Ohio TechCred allows employers to help their workforce learn new skills while being reimbursed up to $2,000 per credential earned, or $30,000 per funding round.

For this round of funding, the TechCred application is open from July 3, 2023, to July 31, 2023, at 3:00 PM. The application process is:

  • An eligible employer applies for funding. An eligible employer is any employer registered in Ohio that employs Ohio resident W-2 employees.
  • The Ohio Department of Development scores the applications and awards funding. This score is based on the level of economic distress in the employer’s region, the regional balance of awards, and the amount of employer contribution toward the cost of credentials.
  • Employees complete an eligible credential program.
  • The employer then submits the required documentation to show the credential was earned and paid for to receive reimbursement. Documentation is required to be submitted within 6 weeks of an employee completing the credential. Credentials must be completed within 12 months from the award date.
  • The credentials are required to be industry-recognized, technology-focused, and short-term (completed in less than 12 months and less than 30 credit hours or 900 clock hours). Many of these credentials can be completed online. There is a list of approved credentials at https://techcred.ohio.gov/about/credential-list. Employers can also request that additional credentials meeting eligibility requirements are added to the approved list.

    For additional information on Ohio TechCred, visit https://techcred.ohio.gov/about/overview. For any questions on this program or other support for manufacturers, contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions by calling 330-758-8613 or emailing manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.

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    Next Ohio TechCred Round begins March 1

    Date February 22, 2023
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    Manufacturing is critical to the Ohio economy. The state, which boasts the third largest manufacturing GDP in the nation behind only California and Texas, counts nearly 700,000 manufacturing jobs and a manufacturing payroll of $44 billion, the highest total wages for any Ohio industry sector. Despite the prominence of manufacturing, many manufacturers remain shorthanded and continue to struggle finding and retaining labor, especially for skilled positions. Many employers have been left looking for creative ways to attract talent as well as ensure their current employees have opportunities to enhance their skills. To help with these challenges, the state offers Ohio TechCred., a program providing manufacturers and other businesses with opportunities to up-skill employees and receive reimbursement for up to $2,000 per credential, certification, or certificate earned. The state has offered TechCred in twelve previous rounds with the thirteenth round applications beginning on March 1, 2023, and running to March 31, 2023, at 3:00 PM. The process is as follows:
    • Eligible employers apply for funding.
    • The Ohio Department of Development reviews applications, scores them, and awards funds.
    • Employees complete the approved credential, certificate, or certification program.
    • The employer submits documentation to prove the training was completed and provides the additional documentation required to receive reimbursement.
    Eligible employers must be registered in Ohio and employ Ohio resident W-2 employees. Applications are reviewed competitively, including for economic distress in the employer’s region, the balance of awards in the region, and the amount of employer contribution toward the cost of the credential, certification, or certificate. Employers can receive up to $30,000 per funding round of the reimbursements of up to $2,000 per credential. Credentials must be industry-recognized, technology-focused, and must be completed in less than 12 months with less than 30 credit hours or 900 clock hours. An approved credential list can be found at https://techcred.ohio.gov/about/credential-list. For more information about TechCred, visit https://techcred.ohio.gov/home. To discuss employee recruiting or retention strategies, contact a financial professional specializing in manufacturing at HBK Manufacturing Solutions at 330-758-8613 or manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.
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    Ohio Starts New Year with New TechCred Opportunity for Manufacturers

    Date December 29, 2022
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    Ohio’s next TechCred application opportunity will open on January 3, 2023 and close January 31, 2023 at 3:00 PM. TechCred, introduced in 2019, allows eligible Ohio employers to obtain reimbursement for costs associated with employee training and upskilling, particularly for manufacturing or technological skills. Training and upskilling programs include credentials, certificates and certifications that are industry-recognized, technology-focused, and short-term. Reimbursements are limited to $30,000 per funding round and $2,000 per credential, certificate, or certification. The January 2023 application window includes training that began on or after December 1, 2022, although training must be completed within 12 months from the award date. As with previous funding rounds, eligible businesses must apply for reimbursement by submitting information including contact information, training information, and the requested reimbursement. Reimbursement is only permitted for approved training programs or credentials. Employers may select a credential from a pre-approved list available here or they may submit a credential for consideration that is not on this list by using the same link. To learn more about TechCred, visit https://techcred.ohio.gov/about, or to discuss other support available for your manufacturing business, call HBK Manufacturing Solutions at 330-758-8613 or email manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.
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    Ohio TechCred Accepts Applications in September

    Date August 30, 2022
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    Ohio manufacturers have another opportunity this September to apply for funds to be used to improve employees’ skills. Ohio’s Tech Cred program will accept applications for its 16th round of funding starting September 1 and continuing until 3:00 p.m. on September 30.

    Frequently asked questions regarding the program include:

    What is TechCred?

    TechCred is a program available to eligible Ohio businesses and their current or prospective employees to support skill advancement. The state-funded program provides up to $2,000 per employee and $30,000 per company per funding round for employees to complete technology-focused training.

    Which businesses are eligible to participate?

    Eligibility criteria include businesses:

    • Registered in Ohio, employing Ohio-resident W-2 employees
    • With an OH|ID
    • Of any size
    • In any industry, although manufacturers have historically been the most frequent participants

    One of my employees is interested in a credential not included on the list. Can they still participate?

    All credentials must be short-term, industry-recognized, and technology-focused. If a credential meets these criteria and is not included on the current credential list, employers may submit it by choosing “Credential Not Listed” when prompted during the application process. They will then be asked for information including the name of the credential, credit hours, skills taught, and value brought to organizations. Employers must also submit a syllabus or brochure on the credential for it to be considered for program reimbursement.

    How do I apply?

    After ensuring eligibility, an interested business can apply at https://techcred.ohio.gov/apply. Eligible employers must be prepared to submit the following information:

    • Employer information, including name, Federal Tax ID, supplier ID number, Ohio Charter Number, address, and more
    • Credentials from approved credentials list
    • Cost of training and certification
    • Training Provider
    • Number of current and prospective employees earning each credential
    • Average wages of each employee before and after receiving the credential

    How do I receive the funding?

    Employers with approved applications will be eligible for reimbursement after the employee receives the credential or certificate. The employer must provide proof of credential completion, documentation of costs, proof of payment, and information about the individual(s) who earned the credential(s). Information must be submitted through the TechCred website at https://techcred.ohio.gov/apply, under “Submit for Reimbursement.”

    Where can I learn more?

    Learn more about the TechCred program at https://techcred.ohio.gov/about/overview. Or contact a member of the HBK Manufacturing Solutions team by email at manufacturing@hbkcpa.com, or call us at 330-758-8613.

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    Ohio TechCred Opens Fifteenth Round on July 1

    Date June 27, 2022
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    Many manufacturers continue to struggle with labor market woes, especially in finding and retaining skilled employees. Some manufacturers may find that upskilling current employees may provide these businesses an option to advance current employees while filling critical business needs. Ohio manufacturers seeking support in upskilling employees soon will have their fifteenth opportunity to use the Ohio TechCred program.

    Application Information:

    • Eligible employers must be registered in Ohio, employ Ohio resident W-2 employees, and have an OH|ID.
    • Interested employers must complete an application, which will be accepted from Friday, July 1 to Friday, July 29, 2022 at 3:00 PM, at https://techcred.ohio.gov/apply.
    • Employees must be pursuing a credential from the approved credential list, available at https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred/about/credential-list, or may request approval for excluded credentials. Credentials must be a certificate or credential and must meet criteria demonstrating that they are industry-recognized, technology-focused, and short-term.

    Reimbursement Information:

    After completion of the credential, employers must submit proof, invoices for costs incurred, proof of payment, and demographic information about the credential recipient. Training must begin on or after the first day of the month immediately following the last application period and must be finished within one year. Employers may be reimbursed for costs including tuition, lab fees, manuals, textbooks and certification costs, not to exceed $2,000 per credential and $30,000 per funding round.

    Additional information regarding the program can be found at https://techcred.ohio.gov/about/program-guidelines.

    To discuss the Ohio TechCred program or other methods to improve employee retention, please contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions at 330-758-8613 or manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.

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    New Round of Ohio TechCred is Now Open

    Date May 6, 2022
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    Eligible Ohio employers looking for financial support to train or upskill employees will have another opportunity to use the Ohio TechCred program. From May 2 through May 31, 2022 at 3:00 PM, eligible employers may submit applications to obtain approval for future reimbursements through this program.

    Why TechCred?

    Ohio has approved funding that allows Ohio businesses, including manufacturers, to receive reimbursement for certain industry-recognized, technology-focused, and short-term credentials or certificates. Many manufacturers throughout the state continue to struggle finding labor, both skilled and unskilled. TechCred can support the employee recruitment and retention process by:

    • Providing funding (through reimbursement) to support the development of employees’ skills.
    • Supporting the business’s goals, including improving productivity and customer satisfaction.
    • Differentiating the company from others who may not provide similar training, thereby attracting talent.

    How to Apply

    Interested employers should consider eligibility criteria, including that the business is registered in Ohio and employs Ohio resident W-2 employees. Employers should also review the credential list here. Employers may request approval for credentials not included by selecting “Credential Not Listed” on the application form and answering questions about the credential. All credentials must be a certificate or credential that is industry-recognized, technology-focused, and short-term. Additional information can be found here.

    When ready to apply, eligible businesses should submit an application via https://techcred.ohio.gov/apply. Users must have an OH|ID in order to log in to the application.

    Other Resources

    In addition to TechCred, businesses or individuals seeking assistance in the job market should consider the following resources:

    • Individual Microcredential Assistance Program helps low-income, partially unemployed, or completely unemployed Ohioans participate in training programs.
    • Ohio to Work connects job seekers with employers specifically in the fields of information technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
    • Ohio In-Demand Jobs Week, from May 2-May 6, focuses on current career opportunities with businesses that are hiring. Organizations participating should visit topjobs.ohio.gov to ensure their event is listed.
    • Ohio Means Jobs offers resources for job seekers, employers, and students in the job market.

    For more information regarding these programs or to discuss how labor availability and skills are affecting your business, contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions at manufacturing@hbkcpa.com or 330-758-8613.
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    Ohio Announces Remaining TechCred Rounds for 2022

    Date March 8, 2022
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    Ohio manufacturers and other businesses have five newly announced opportunities in 2022 to receive reimbursement for certain credentials earned by employees through the Ohio TechCred program. The application dates are as follows:

    • March 1 through March 31, 2022
    • May 2 through May 31, 2022
    • July 1 through July 29, 2022
    • September 1 through September 30, 2022
    • November 1 through November 30, 2022

    Since the program’s inception in autumn 2019, over 1,600 employers have used the program to upskill their workers. Eligible employers must be registered in Ohio, employ Ohio resident W-2 employees, and may be part of any industry, although manufacturers have been awarded the most reimbursement of any industry to date.

    Over 32,000 industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials have been funded by the program. These credentials include certificates or certifications that can be earned in a short period of time (in less than 12 months, 900 clock hours, or 30 credit hours). Approved credentials are available at: https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred/about/credential-list.

    Reimbursements are available for up to $2,000 per credential, up to a maximum of $30,000 per eligible company per funding round. Employers must file reimbursement applications within six weeks of each employee completing a credential. Tuition, lab fees, manuals, textbooks, and other certification costs can be covered by the reimbursement.

    To learn more about Ohio’s TechCred program, visit techcred.ohio.gov or contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions at manufacturing@hbkcpa.com or 330-758-8613.

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    New Round of Ohio’s TechCred program opens January 3

    Date December 28, 2021
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    Beginning January 3, 2022, Ohio manufacturers and other businesses will have another opportunity to receive reimbursement for industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials obtained by employees. The state’s TechCred program will accept applications from January 3 through January 31, 2022 at 3:00 PM.

    Eligible employers are those registered in Ohio who employ Ohio resident W-2 employees. Businesses may be in any industry; however, the program has been particularly beneficial for manufacturers, who have accounted for at least half of all approved applications since the program’s launch in 2019.

    Eligible employers may receive reimbursement for up to $2,000 per credential, with a maximum of $30,000 in total reimbursement per funding round. Reimbursements may cover tuition, lab fees, manuals, textbooks, and other certification costs. Credentials include certificates or certifications and must be industry-recognized, technology-focused, and short-term, meaning that the certificate or certification can be completed in less than 12 months, 900 clock hours, of 30 credit hours. Credentials earned from online or distance-learning programs are encouraged. An approved credentials list can be found at https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred/about/credential-list.

    To obtain reimbursement, employers must submit documentation within six weeks of credential completion. Documentation must include proof that an individual has completed the credential, invoices, proof of payment, and information about the employee earning the credential. To learn more about Ohio’s TechCred program, visit techcred.ohio.gov or contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions at manufacturing@hbkcpa.com or 330-758-8613.

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    Tenth TechCred Round Opens for Eligible Ohio Employers

    Date July 28, 2021
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    The Ohio Office of Workforce Transformation has announced that the tenth application period of TechCred will open from August 1 through August 31, 2021. Through nine funding rounds, over 1,300 Ohio businesses have received reimbursement for over 23,000 total credentials for Ohio workers.

    Five frequently asked questions are as follows:
    1. How do I apply for TechCred?

      To apply for TechCred, eligible businesses should go to techcred.ohio.gov and select “Apply”. Applicants must submit information including their contact information, federal tax ID number, credential information (including the credential, training cost, and training provider), requested reimbursement amount, number of employees who will earn the credential, and the average wage of employees both before and after earning the credential.


    2. The credential desired is not included on the approved list. Will new credentials be added in future rounds?

      Employers can request that credentials are added to the approved list. When completing the application for TechCred, these employers should choose “credential not listed” and provide information including the name of the credential, evidence that the skills taught are technology-focused, and proof that the credential has value for the employee other than at the organization applying. All credentials must meet criteria including:

      •The credential must be industry-recognized, meaning that it is sought or accepted by employers within the industry as a “recognized, preferred, or required credential for recruitment, screening, hiring, retention, or advancement purposes; and where appropriate, is endorsed by a nationally recognized trade association or organization representing a significant part of the industry or sector”.

      •The credential must be technology-focused, meaning that is relies on science, technology, engineering, and/or math as well as technical skills. These skills help employees gain and demonstrate competencies to use technology to develop, build, and deliver products and services.

      •The credential must be short term, meaning it must be completed in less than 12 months. The credential must be less than 30 credit hours or 900 clock hours.


    3. From where must my employee obtain training?

      Training can be provided by universities, community colleges, Ohio technical centers, and private training providers. Employers will not be reimbursed for internal training unless the same program is offered to the public and the cost is verifiable. Other limitations apply for training providers.

      The Ohio Office of Workforce Transformation provides an Ohio Workforce Supply Tool, Ohio Workforce Inventory of Education and Training, and listing of public institutions of higher education, which can help employers find training providers. Online and distance-learning programs are encouraged.


    4. Is funding guaranteed through the TechCred program?

      No, funding is not guaranteed through TechCred. Businesses must ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria, including having an Ohio registration and employing Ohio resident W-2 employees. Applications are reviewed competitively (not on a first-come, first-served basis) based on wage compared to credential cost, level of economic distress in the employer’s region, and amount of employer contribution toward the credential.


    5. Will there be future opportunities to apply for TechCred?

      Future application periods will be based on demand. However, it is anticipated that future TechCred application periods will open, given that the Oho Operating Budget funds 40,000 credentials for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Interested businesses should watch for updates at techcred.ohio.gov. .


    Employers interested in TechCred should visit techcred.ohio.gov or download the June 2021 Application Period Program Guidelines. For more information or to discuss support available for manufacturers, contact HBK Manufacturing Solutions, by calling 330-758-8613 or emailing manufacturing@hbkcpa.com.

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