Ohio Incumbent Worker Training: How to Get Reimbursed for Upskilling

Part of the cost of training your current employees. The employer pays a non-federal share, in cash or in-kind.

Employer share is at least 10% for 50 or fewer employees, 25% for 51 to 100, and 50% for more than 100. Local boards may require more. Trainee wages cannot be paid with IWT funds.

Usually the training provider, paid by the board under a three-party contract. Employers may instead be reimbursed for actual training costs against an approved plan.

• Workers must have been employed by you for at least six months (a cohort needs a majority that meet this)
• Training must be skill attainment, leading to credentials or recognized skills
• Employer cannot be debarred, owe Ohio taxes 6 months or more past due, or have laid off the same job to fill it with the trainee
• Boards must give priority to private-sector businesses; each board adds its own wage and sector rules

Reimbursement of tuition, lab fees, manuals, textbooks and certification costs for short, technology-focused credentials, for current or prospective W-2 employees.

Up to $1,000 per person, per credential, and up to $30,000 per application period. Wages, travel and hardware are not eligible.

The employer, as a reimbursement after the employee earns the credential. The employer pays the training provider first.

• Ohio employer registered with the Secretary of State, with a physical, non-residential location in Ohio
• Ohio-resident W-2 employees reported to Ohio Unemployment Insurance; employer withholds Ohio income tax
• Public entities, including state agencies, local governments and public schools and colleges, are not eligible
• Credential must be on the approved list, technology-focused, short-term and from an eligible training provider
• One application per employer (per FEIN) per application period