New JobsOhio Technician Path Helps Southeast Ohio Employers Build Skilled Workforce

Incentive program provides participating companies up to $10,000 per employee who completes a training pathway for in-demand technician careers

As Ohio continues to invest in workforce development, JobsOhio and Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) 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 the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center in Zanesville, Ohio, where Matt Abbott, OhioSE President and CEO, joined local education partners and companies actively hiring skilled technicians to officially introduce the newest way that JobsOhio and OhioSE are supporting Southeast Ohio employers in developing and retaining world-class talent. The event in Zanesville 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,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “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.”

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

“Developing a strong technical workforce is vital to driving long-term economic growth across our region,” said OhioSE President and CEO Matt Abbott. “The JobsOhio Technician Path directly supports our local employers and workforce. When companies look to expand or relocate in our region, access to skilled technical talent is top of mind—and this initiative gives Eastern and Southeastern Ohio a distinct competitive edge.”

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.

“Educational institutions are where a workforce strategy becomes real. Employers can name the need, and the state can create the incentive, but if is our educational institutions that turn opportunity into a skilled credentialed technician ready to go to work,” said Joseph E. Keating Jr., President of Zane State College. “The JobsOhio Technician Path strengthens the connection between employers and education providers in exactly the way our region needs. It brings businesses and educational institutions to the same table, around the same worker, with a shared investment in that person’s future.”

“At Zane State, this is the heart of who we are. Programs like engineering technology, the skilled trades, and our earn-and-learn pathways let Ohioans build rewarding technician careers close to home, while giving local and regional employers a reliable pipeline of talent,” said President Keating. “That is our core mission in action, Empowering People Through Education. We are proud to partner with JobsOhio, OhioSE, and the employers of Southeast Ohio to put this incentive to work for the people of our region.”

For more information about JobsOhio Technician Path or to apply, visit jobsohio.com/path.

View the original release

Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.