These Dayton tech companies got $900,000 to upskill employees, more funding to come

With a wave of retirees continuing to cut into the region’s skilled workforce, regional businesses are left to fill the gap of experienced employees. However, rather than continuing to grasp at the remaining skilled worker pool in a competitive market, many have taken to creating their own skilled employees through in-house training and upskilling. The state of Ohio is providing funding to help companies in their efforts with additional opportunity on the way.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted recently announced the results of the July round of TechCred, in which 430 employers across Ohio were approved for funding. Funds provided the opportunity for Ohioans to earn close to 5,000 tech-focused credentials. 

The program helps businesses address their workforce needs by upskilling current and prospective employees. Businesses of all sizes, from any industry, are eligible for up to $30,000 per round and up to $180,000 per year. Some of the top industries awarded during this round include manufacturing, construction and transportation and warehousing services.

“Not everyone thinks of construction when they think of technology, but every industry is impacted by how technology is changing the way we work,” Husted said. “Through this round of TechCred, we had an increase of construction companies apply to upskill or reskill their employees, demonstrating the need for new skills in the industry. I look forward to seeing this trend continue throughout the state and in other industries.”

More than 70 Dayton-region businesses received $890,000 in funding from the most recent round. Butler ($232,000), Montgomery ($228,000), Shelby ($116,000) and Warren ($131,000) County businesses received the most funding.

“Programs like TechCred are one of the reasons that Ohio has the most filled jobs in state history,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “We’re not just creating jobs but ensuring that Ohioans have the skills they need to retain them.”

Here is a closer look at the recipients in order of amount received:

The current, and 22^nd application period, for Ohio employers opened earlier this month and will close on Sept. 29 at 3:00 p.m. Companies can apply for the next round here.

“July’s TechCred numbers demonstrate that this program keeps growing to meet our state’s workforce needs, and Ohio’s jobs economy keeps getting stronger as well,” said chancellor Randy Gardner of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.