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 Team NEO 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 KeyBank Advanced Technology Training Center where Team NEO CEO Matt Dolan joined local education partners and companies actively hiring skilled technicians to officially introduce the newest way that JobsOhio and Team NEO are supporting Northeast Ohio employers in developing and retaining world-class talent. The event in Northeast 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,” 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
“Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Northeast Ohio’s economy,” said Team NEO CEO Matt Dolan, “This program will help our employers build the skilled technical workforce they need while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals ready to build a career.”
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between education and industry, Shana Marbury, Executive Vice President of Workforce Innovation at Tri-C shared, “Building the workforce our region needs requires innovation grounded in education and industry working together. The JobsOhio Technician Path incentive builds a critical collaboration to help employers invest in people, while giving Ohio’s people access to education and training that leads to meaningful careers. At Tri-C, we are committed to working in partnership with employers to build earn-and-learn pathways that develop talent, create opportunity and support the long-term growth of Northeast Ohio.”
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.
For more information about JobsOhio Technician Path or to apply, visit jobsohio.com/path.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across 10 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. In 2026, Ohio was named CNBC’s Top State for Business. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X , Instagram, and Facebook.
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that retains, expands, and attracts jobs, businesses, and opportunities across Northeast Ohio’s 14-county region. As JobsOhio’s exclusive partner in Northeast Ohio, Team NEO connects businesses to the data, resources, sites, and incentives to win new business investment for Northeast Ohio. The organization also provides insights to build talent pipelines, prepares development-ready sites, and markets the region as a premier business destination. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit teamneo.org.
Media Contacts:
JobsOhio
Matt Englehart
614-300-1152
Team NEO
Nina Holliday
216-218-6462