The most recent application period for the TechCred Program closed at the end of August, and during this period, 288 Ohio companies had their application approved for funding. During this round, over 4,400 technology-focused credentials received funding for Ohio employees.

These approvals will help current employees as well as incoming workers earn the skills needed for the increasingly tech-infused economy. The month of August was record-setting for the TechCred program as over 1,200 more credentials were approved than were approved in June, which previously held the record.

Since the program’s start, a total of 983 Ohio employers have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 11,941 tech-focused credentials by Ohio employees. This round marks a milestone as funding has been approved for over 10,000 credentials. The sixth TechCred application period opened on Thursday, Oct. 1 and closes on Oct. 30. You can learn more about the program at TechCred.Ohio.gov.

Also, Ohioans can now access training at no cost through 12 training providers under the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP). These providers will offer training for 71 short-term, industry-recognized, and technology-focused credentials to help upskill Ohioans for the increasingly tech-infused economy. Through IMAP, nearly 2,000 Ohioans have the opportunity to earn a credential at no cost to them.

Ohioans who are low income, partially unemployed or totally unemployed can visit the IMAP landing page at IMAP.Development.Ohio.gov to work directly with the training provider of their choice and enroll in the program that works best for them. The IMAP landing page lists the eligible training providers and the credentials Ohioans can earn under the program, along with examples of jobs each credential can help an individual obtain. Individuals interested in earning a credential can visit IMAP.Development.Ohio.gov to learn more. Ohio businesses interested in connecting with the Ohioans earning these credentials can contact the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation at [email protected].