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.