As Ohio continues to invest in workforce development, JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership today announced the JobsOhio Technician Path incentive program to help Ohio employers build a pipeline of technicians. The incentive program was announced at an event at Northwest State Community College, where RGP President & CEO Dean Monske joined local education partners and companies actively hiring skilled technicians to officially introduce the newest way that JobsOhio and the RGP are supporting Northwest Ohio employers in developing and retaining world-class talent. The event in Archbold, Ohio, was one of seven announcement events held across Ohio to celebrate the incentive's launch.
The incentive is designed to help Ohio employers deploy a technician earn-and-learn program and create more opportunities for Ohioans to access the training and gain the skills needed for in-demand technician positions. Eligible Ohio employers can access up to $10,000 per employee who completes an approved training pathway, with payments tied to three milestones along the way. To qualify, companies must be located in Ohio, operate in a JobsOhio targeted industry sector, and pay participating workers at least $20 per hour.
Ohio employers can apply online at jobsohio.com/path.
“Ohio's talent pipeline is an essential focus of a statewide economic strategy. The JobsOhio Technician Path incentive program puts that strategy into action. As companies consider growth in Ohio, the availability of technical talent represents a large part of that evaluation, and the incentive helps ensure we can continue to win.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
Helping Employers Build Their Technician Pipeline
The incentive provides financial support for structured training pathways that strengthen employee growth and retention while creating a more reliable path to filling open technician positions. Participating companies can receive assistance from a regional concierge service provider throughout the process, making it more feasible for employers of all sizes to implement an earn-and-learn program.
A dedicated advisor can help employers:
- Identify approved training pathways and local education partners
- Design and set up an earn-and-learn program
- Connect with local training providers and workforce partners
- Apply for the incentive and navigate the milestone process
- Manage milestone disbursement requests
- Identify resources for launching a registered apprenticeship, including connections to ApprenticeOhio and a local workforce development board
“Northwest Ohio has achieved great success over the last few years in attracting new investment and good-paying jobs,” Monske said. “In order to sustain that momentum, we need to continue meeting industry’s need for workforce and talent. This program allows businesses to excel and compete in the global marketplace.”
A Straightforward Path to Get Started
Applying for JobsOhio Technician Path begins with basic company information, including the employer’s NAICS code, which is used to confirm industry eligibility. Once an application is approved, employers are encouraged to identify participating workers, submit the required worker information, begin or continue the approved training pathway, and submit milestone requests as employees progress through the training. A regional concierge service provider is available throughout the implementation process to provide support
The Advanced Manufacturing Consortium will act as the regional concierge, serving as the point of contact for employers, assisting with the intake and application process. The concierge will maintain a close relationship with the employers and educational partners throughout the entire engagement to ensure the outcomes meet the program’s goals.
“It is truly an honor to be selected for this work alongside our colleagues from the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance, Raise the Bar, Workforce Partnership of Putnam County, and the Great Lakes Industry Sector Partnership,” said Tori Atkinson, executive director, Advanced Manufacturing Consortium. “Our collaborative partnership was selected by JobsOhio because we understand the workforce challenges employers are facing. We work with them every day. We know how difficult it has become to find skilled technicians, maintain production, and prepare for future growth.”
Whirlpool, which recently announced plans for a new $60 million production facility in Wood County, plans to take advantage of the JobsOhio program to further strengthen its workforce.
“With over half of our U.S. manufacturing footprint located right here in Ohio, our skilled trades talent is the backbone of our operations,” said Kristin Day, vice president of U.S. manufacturing at Whirlpool Corporation. “We can’t just wait for that talent; we have to invest in building it—and that takes strong partnerships with visionary organizations committed to driving local workforce development.”
For more information about JobsOhio Technician Path or to apply, visit jobsohio.com/path.
About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
Media Contacts:
JobsOhio
Matt Englehart
englehart@jobsohio.com
614-300-1152