Yesterday, the Ohio Chamber offered support for Senate Bill 166; legislation that would provide incentives for businesses to offer work-based learning opportunities.

Workforce development has long been a major issue for Ohio businesses and the incentives put forth in SB 166 have the potential to assist employers in developing the workforce of the future. Work-based learning programs can serve as a gateway for students and others to gain experience through internships, mentorships, etc. that can later on, become careers.

SB 166 takes a creative approach in trying to get more individuals into work-based learning opportunities. The bill does the following:

• Requires the Department of Education to establish the Students Pathways for Career Success Grant Program.
• Creates a program through various agencies that establishes financial incentives for Ohio businesses to provide work-based learning experiences for students enrolled in an approved career-technical program.
• Creates the Employers Providing Work-Based Learning Pilot Program, which for two years requires the Administrator of Workers’ Compensation to grant a premium rate discount for an employer that provides a work-based learning experience for students enrolled in an approved career-technical education program.
• Authorizes an income tax withholding credit for employers equal to 15% of the taxes withheld from wages paid to a student participating in a career-technical education program.

These types of opportunities can act as a launching pad for individuals, and we are hopeful to see this bill go into effect in order to incentivize more of these programs for Ohio businesses and students alike.