The college offers certificates with the program in the areas of health care, information technology and manufacturing.
Through the program, businesses can identify specific qualifications they need and employees they want to train toward a more advanced position, according to a news release from Clark State. An employer can apply to be reimbursed up to $2,000 of training costs upon completion of a credential.
“We are always looking for new ways to help with workforce issues and aligning our programming with the needs of the workforce,” said Aimee Belanger-Haas, dean of business and applied technologies at Clark State. “We have aligned all of the certificates that we can to industry recognized credentials and are constantly making changes to have others qualify.”
When Gov. Mike DeWine and his administrative unveiled the program on Sept. 25, the program was designed to fund up to 20,000 technology-focused credentials for the two years statewide. Credentials can be customized to fit business needs, including new credentials approved from employer submitted applications during the first round of funding, but must be short-term (less than one year to complete), technology-focused and industry recognized.
Belanger-Haas said the college also created a non-credit CNC Technical Machine Operator credential that was approved and added to the TechCred credential list that is available to other companies.
“Additionally, 219 new credentials were approved including Welding (AWS Certified Welder),” she said. “There is also now a Business Technology category.”
The first round of local TechCred partners included the Cascade Corporation, Pentaflex, McGregor Metalworking and Armaly Brand, according to a release from Clark State.
RELATED: Clark State to train local workforce through Ohio’s new TechCred program
“The TechCred program allows us to continue our partnership with Clark State to offer employees technology-focused education and credentials,” said Darlene Carpenter, human resources manager at Cascade Corporation. “Employees with highly sought after skills will enable them to progress in their careers at Cascade.”
Belanger-Haas said Ohio faces an urgent need for highly skilled employees and higher education needs to work directly with employers to determine what is needed to train employees.
“Certificates that tie to industry certifications is an easy way to ensure that students meet the rigor expected from Clark State’s employer partners,” she said.
MORE: Clark State, auto insurance company partner to offer certificate
Businesses can apply for the program through through Jan. 31. Applications are available at techcred.ohio.gov.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Sept. 25, 2019: Ohio’s TechCred Program was unveiled
$2,000: How much an employer can apply to be reimbursed for training costs
219: New credentials approved
The Springfield News-Sun is committed to covering the new programs and opportunities offered to colleges in Clark and Champaign Counties.
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