State of Ohio to Release Funding for Employee Training

In 2015, the Ohio Development Services Agency announced the Ohio Incumbent Workforce Training Voucher Program, which is designed to provide direct financial assistance to train workers and improve the economic competitiveness of Ohio’s employers. The program is specifically designed to offset a part of an employer’s costs to upgrade the skills of its incumbent workforce. The Voucher Program will provide reimbursement to eligible employers for specific training costs that have accrued during the course of training.

Who’s eligible?

To be eligible for the Voucher Program, both the employer and employee must meet specific requirements. For employer eligibility, they must:

• Operate as a for-profit entity in a state-designated targeted industry
• A facility must be located in Ohio and has to have been in continuous operation for the 12 months immediately prior to when the application was submitted
• The company’s NAICS code will determine eligibility as to the targeted industry

It’s also important to note that only one application per employer will be accepted per program year. If an employer has multiple sites, those sites must work together to submit one application.

An eligible employee is someone who is directly employed by the company at a facility located in Ohio and meets all of the following requirements:

• Employed in any of the following business functions: production, back office operations, information technology, logistics or research and development
• Is earning an hourly wage of at least 150% of the federal minimum wage ($10.88 as of January 1, 2012) plus benefits
• Is an Ohio resident and is at least 18 years of age
• Working at least 25 hours per week.

When’s the application available?

Online applications will be available beginning September 28, 2015. It’s highly encouraged to turn in the application as soon as possible. Financial assistance is provided on a first come, first serve basis.

What are the amounts allowed for employee and employer per fiscal year?

The Ohio Development Services Agency will reimburse the employer for up to 50% of the eligible training costs. The program allows for up to $4,000 per employee per fiscal year and $100,000 per employer per fiscal year.

It’s important to note that Ohio’s fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. However, the training period for this program year will be between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.

How do I apply?

Businesses can begin the application on September 28, 2015. Submissions can begin at 10:00 a.m. on October 14th, 2015. Visit the Department Service Agency website for more information on the Ohio Incumbent Workforce Training Voucher Program.

Looking for help with the application? Contact Tom Ault, Director of Technical Training at ERC. Tom can help you walk through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Or maybe you are looking for courses that will be eligible for the Voucher Program? Here is a list to help you get started with your planning process: