Clark State Community College stands ready to assist with applications for the sixth round of TechCred funding recently announced by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his administration. The TechCred program is designed to train incumbent workers for in-demand jobs in Ohio. The application process opens January 4 and the deadline is 3 p.m., January 29, 2021.
“Many technology-based apprenticeship programs are now approved credentials,” said Lesli Beavers, director of workforce and business solutions for Clark State. “Also there are many new technology-based safety trainings and certificates; a great option if you have new employees or existing employees who need updated safety credentials in the new year.”
Clark State offers more than 125 TechCred approved programs, a majority of which can be completed online and remote.
Beavers said the credentials are broad and encompass business technology skills such as Microsoft to digital marketing; manufacturing including blueprint reading, robotics and preventative maintenance; and IT and cyber security including IT fundamentals, CompTIA certifications and web and software development.
Employers only need to identify the credential or certification and how many employees they plan to train. Employers will be reimbursed for tuition, lab fees, manuals, textbooks and certification costs up to $2,000 per credential and $30,000 total per funding round.
Employers no longer need to identify specific individuals in an application. Instead, employers will list the number of current or future employees who will earn each credential. Employees can also now earn multiple credentials each application period.
“We hope that our business partners continue to see the value in this program and the ability to fund technology training for both their current workforce and new hires,” said Beavers. “This program is truly a win – win, providing businesses support for their own workforce and skills gap barriers and providing individuals with quality credentials that can provide pathways to further certificates and degrees.”
Local businesses can begin the Ohio TechCred process by identifying skills needs and employees and connecting with an educational partner such as Clark State. Applications for the initial program are available online at: https://techcred.ohio.gov.