302 Companies Approved for TechCred Funding

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The latest round of funding through the TechCred program will fund a record-setting number of in-demand credentials.

Following the June application period, the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation announced 302 companies have been approved for TechCred funding to up-skill current and future employees with technology-focused skills, according to a release. It will fund 3,241 credentials, a 101% increase over the credentials funded by the previously most successful application period in January.

“The results of the June application period is evidence of the demand employers have for people with tech-focused credentials,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “These skills help create job security and higher wages for the employee and helps make sure Ohio employers have the talent they need to compete.”

The next application period began Aug. 4 and closes Aug. 31. To date, 695 Ohio employers have been allocated funding through four rounds, supporting 7,473 technology-focused credentials to be earned by Ohio employees, according to the release.

“TechCred is helping create a stronger workforce in Ohio,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. “Employees are expanding their skills, and employers are getting the talent they need to grow their business.”

As a resource to employers, Husted announced the list of TechCred credentials includes examples of education and training providers that offer each certificate or certification. The examples listed are based on training provider submissions and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of providers offering each credential within the state or online. Employers are welcome to work with a training provider that is not listed.

“The importance of upskilling as we continue through and emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overstated,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner. “Education plays a vital role in keeping Ohio’s economy strong, and increased participation in the TechCred program bolsters Ohio’s workforce for the future.”

In an effort to prioritize current economic needs with the health and well-being of Ohioans, Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday announced the launch of the Top Jobs list. The list combines Ohio’s in-demand jobs and newly created critical jobs into one list of prioritized job sectors.

Critical jobs ensure that the state’s workforce supports the health and well-being of Ohioans, their families, and their communities, according to a release. They are identified by experts and stakeholders in eight career clusters, including:

• Children & Community Health
• Early Childhood Education
• First Responders
• Lead Abatement
• Mental & Behavioral Health
• Nursing
• Physicians
• Wellness Research & Technology

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.