TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy. Many of these training opportunities can be completed online! These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need. Remember – Technology impacts every industry!
Businesses of all sizes have the same opportunity to receive funding through TechCred. Each size category has funds allocated for their use. The small business category includes businesses with 1 to 50 employees.
The last TechCred application period closed at the end of October. During that round, 246 Ohio employers were approved for funding, resulting in Ohio employees earning up to 3,164 technology-focused credentials. This round marks a milestone as funding for the program has been approved for over 15,000 credentials.
In August, the TechCred program exceeded 10,000 tech-focused credentials, fulfilling a commitment made by Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted to fund 10,000 technology-focused credentials each year.
Since the program’s start, a total of 966 Ohio employers have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 15,105 tech-focused credentials by Ohio employees.
The seventh TechCred application period opened on Monday, January 4th and closes on January 29th at 3:00 p.m.
Businesses with employees who have completed their TechCred training are reminded to submit proof of credential completion to receive reimbursement at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
Check out this flyer on the benefits of TechCred for small businesses in Ohio: techcred flier for Small Biz
You can learn more about the program at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
With questions, please reach out directly to [email protected].
What is a Credential?
“Credentials” is an overarching term that includes both certificates and certifications.
Certificate: Earned by individuals who successfully complete a training, course, or series of courses.
Certification: Earned by individuals who pass a standardized assessment that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skill, or competency in a particular specialty.
What Makes a Credential Eligible?
Employers applying for TechCred must select which credential their employee is pursuing. To be considered eligible, credentials must meet all three criteria. Eligibility requirements for credentials include:
1. They must be industry-recognized.
2. They must be technology-focused (as defined below).
3. They must be short-term. Credentials must be certificates or certifications able to be completed in less than one calendar year in programs that are fewer than 900 clock hours or thirty (30) credit hours.
What is a Technology Credential?
Technology credentials demonstrate the competencies necessary to succeed in an occupation that utilizes technology to develop, build, and deliver products and services. Technology credentials rely on science, technology, engineering, and/or math-related education, as well as technical skills, to benefit an employer dependent on the development, deployment, and investment in new and emerging technology, including software development, advanced manufacturing, data analytics, cybersecurity, computer hardware, and design, military applications and other emerging fields.
Credentials on the approved list have been recommended by the Technology Review of Educational Credentials (TECHREC) panel of experts and approved by the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education. TechCred is designed to be responsive to employers.
Don’t see your technology credential?
Employers can request unlisted credentials be added to the eligible list by submitting an application for the TechCred program. Credentials will be reviewed by a panel of experts as each application is reviewed.
