Area business leaders shared Monday with a state official about their first-hand experience with Ohio’s TechCred program during a special roundtable discussion hosted by the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, in collaboration with the Logan County Chamber of Commerce.
Lt. Governor Jon Husted visited the campus to promote the program and also see career tech in action at the newly renovated OHPCC campus.
He said TechCred was rolled out three years ago by himself and Gov. Mike DeWine, and it enables companies to be reimbursed up to $2,000 for an employee to receive short-term credential training, to be completed within one year.
Since its start, TechCred has provided 1,958 employers in the state with 48,639 technical-focused credentials for their employees.
“It gives Ohio employers and employees the ability to earn more skills, and work toward a higher paying-jobs and better job security,” Husted said, noting that the next window for businesses to apply at https://techcred.ohio.gov/ is from Nov. 1-30.
Applications are accepted every other month.
Locally, a number of businesses participating in the roundtable discussion have taken advantage of the TechCred program, the representatives said Monday.
Lori Fisher from World Class Plastics said that the Russells Point company has been enrolled in TechCred since June 2020, and currently 26 employees have been credentialed in 26 courses, from maintenance to blueprint reading, IT, Excel and other topics.
World Class Plastics has invested $80,000 toward these credentials, while also being reimbursed $71,000 so far from the state program.
“We don’t miss a chance to apply,” Fisher said. “Most of the course work is completed online by our employees.
“It is an easy process for us, and we keep track of those enrolled through a spreadsheet.”
Husted was curious about how the World Class Plastics employees like the courses.
“They keep coming back for more,” Fisher replied.
OHPCC Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith said instructors on campus have utilized TechCred as well to “upskill.”
“Then they can use their new skills to credential their students as well.”
Applying for the program via is an easy process, Dr. Smith said. He noted that the number of programs available has grown exponentially in the last three years.
“The number of credentialed programs that have been added since TechCred started is remarkable. We’re able to find the courses that we need.”
Jeremy Sloan from Ohio Ready Mix related that eight quality control department employees have utilized TechCred at their business.
“It’s been a simple process for our employees to get signed up. Then we celebrate them once they have completed their classes. They really take ownership of it.”
Lexi Roby from Marker Inc. said several employees in the accounting department have participated in the program. Representatives from Honestly Clean LLC and Global Precision Parts relayed their participation in TechCred as well.
Jeff Sprague from NX Automotive Logistics USA Inc. said he enjoyed learning more details on TechCred and about the benefits from experienced local participants.
Also during the visit, Dr. Smith expressed appreciation to the each of the local businesses for their local support of the career technical programs, whether bringing students on board for internships or hiring soon-to-be OHPCC graduates.
Lt. Gov. Husted said students pursuing career technical training along with employees earning advanced credentials provide a solid outlook for the state.
“If businesses can find the skilled workers they need, then they will want to locate here.
“Creating a great workforce is key to a productive future, with technology at the forefront. Career tech and improving technical skills means prosperity for Ohio.”