Hiring is hard. Training the people you already have is often easier — and Ohio will help pay for it. The state's TechCred program reimburses employers when their workers earn approved technology-focused credentials, and for manufacturers it's one of the most underused funding sources in the state.
How TechCred works
The program is run by the Ohio Department of Development and follows a simple cycle:
- Build a training plan — identify the skills your shop needs and find matching programs on the state's approved credential list
- Apply during an open window — applications are accepted in periodic rounds, and only one application per employer (by federal tax ID) is accepted per period
- Get approved, then train — you pay for the training up front
- Get reimbursed — once the employee earns the credential, you submit a reimbursement request with the certificate, an itemized invoice, and proof of payment
Under the framework effective July 1, 2026, employers can be reimbursed up to $1,000 per employee, per credential, with a maximum award of $30,000 per application period. Reimbursement requests must be submitted within six weeks of the credential completion date.
Who's eligible
Most Ohio manufacturers qualify. You need to be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, have a physical non-residential business location in Ohio, and employ Ohio-resident W-2 employees reported to the state's unemployment insurance system. Employers of all sizes and all industries can apply. Public entities are not eligible.
What counts as a credential
The state maintains a list of eligible technology-focused credentials and approved training providers. For manufacturers, that typically includes things like CNC operation and programming, industrial automation and robotics, welding certifications, quality inspection, and IT/cybersecurity credentials. Eligible costs include tuition, lab fees, manuals, textbooks, and certification costs — but not wages, travel, software, or subscription-style training bundles.
Timing matters
TechCred runs in application rounds, not year-round. The next application period opens October 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. and closes October 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. If you miss a window, you wait for the next one — so it's worth putting the dates on the calendar and having your training plan ready before the window opens.
You'll also need an OH|ID account (the state's single sign-on) to apply, so set that up in advance rather than on deadline day.
Stack it with other help
TechCred pairs well with the workforce services offered by Ohio's MEP centers — several of which appear on the approved training provider list — and with the industry sector partnerships coordinated by the Ohio Manufacturers' Association. If you're planning a bigger training push, talk to your regional MEP center first; they can help you scope it.
Learn more and apply at the Ohio TechCred page.
And while you're investing in your team's skills, make sure buyers can find the company those skills power — [claim your listing](/claim) on the Ohio Manufacturers Directory.