7th round of Techcred is open for businesses

LIMA – It’s time to ensure the region’s workforce is prepared for the post-pandemic economy. To assist with this effort, the seventh round of Ohio Techcred applications is currently open through January 29.

Techcred helps businesses upskill their current and incoming workforce with tech-focused credentials. Businesses can receive up to $2,000 for each techfocused credential earned, up to $30,000 per employer each application period.

Rhodes State College is pleased to announce that the College is strategically equipped and situated to meet the upskill training and credentialing needs of employers applying for the Techcred funding across the region. Employers no longer need to identify specific individuals in an application. Instead, employers can list the number of current or future employees who will earn each credential. Employees can also earn multiple credentials each application period.

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.

Businesses can learn more and apply at Techcred.ohio.gov. Employer officials will need to submit the number of needed, credentialed employees to the state by 3pm January 29 and have these current and incoming employees trained at Rhodes State College.

Many employers have asked, “If an employee is laid off because of coronavirus, but we want them back, can we still take advantage of Techcred and train them right now during the layoff period?” The answer is yes as Techcred can be used to train both current and prospective employees. Employers can train an employee during a layoff period and be reimbursed, as long as the employee is on the payroll at the point when the employer requests reimbursement. The reimbursement of up to $2,000 per employee or $30,000 per funding period is available to employers once training and payment is completed.

Rhodes State offers certificates that qualify for the Techcred program in the following areas: Manufacturing Technology, IOT and Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Robotics/automation, Business Technology, and Construction Technology. New and incoming employees may also identify multiple credentials for which to be trained during the application period.

Rhodes State is working diligently to stay up to date and ready to support the changing needs of Ohio employers and workers. Accordingly, Rhodes State can help employers navigate the Techcred application process.

To learn more about the Techcred program at Rhodes State, visit www.rhodesstate.edu/techcred or contact Tammy Eilerman at Eilerman.t@rhodesstate.edu.