ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — A new statewide workforce initiative designed to help Ohio employers train and retain skilled technicians was launched locally Monday at an event at the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center.
JobsOhio and Ohio Southeast Economic Development, or OhioSE, announced the JobsOhio Technician Path, which provides eligible Ohio employers with up to $10,000 per employee who completes an approved training pathway for an in-demand technician career.
The Zanesville event was one of seven held across Ohio to mark the launch of the program.
Zane State College joined JobsOhio and OhioSE leaders, along with local education and business representatives, for the announcement. Zane State President Joseph Keating highlighted the importance of connecting employers with education providers to develop the region’s technical workforce.
The program is designed to help employers establish “earn-and-learn” programs, allowing workers to gain skills while continuing to work.
Eligible employers can receive payments tied to three milestones:
- $1,000 when a participating worker enrolls in an approved training pathway.
- $4,000 after the worker reaches an intermediate training milestone.
- $5,000 when the worker completes an associate degree or qualifying registered apprenticeship.
Employers must demonstrate their own investment in the worker’s training for the second and third payments. Eligible investments can include wages, tuition, books, supplies, supervisor time and program administration.
To qualify, businesses must be located in Ohio, operate in a JobsOhio targeted industry and pay participating workers at least $20 per hour.
Participating workers must be Ohio residents and W-2 employees enrolled in an approved training program or registered apprenticeship. Both new hires and existing employees may participate if they meet the program requirements.
The initiative is intended to help address shortages of skilled technicians across Ohio by connecting employers with colleges, training providers and apprenticeship programs.
“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.”
Keating said educational institutions play a key role in turning workforce needs into opportunities for workers.
“The JobsOhio Technician Path strengthens the connection between employers and education providers in exactly the way our region needs,” Keating said. “It brings businesses and educational institutions to the same table, around the same worker, with a shared investment in that person’s future.”
JobsOhio said participating employers will also have access to regional advisors who can help identify approved training programs, connect businesses with education and workforce partners, establish earn-and-learn programs and navigate the incentive process.
The program also can help employers explore registered apprenticeship opportunities through ApprenticeOhio and local workforce development boards.
The JobsOhio Technician Path is part of a larger $300 million Experiential Learning Initiative, through which JobsOhio plans to invest $300 million over 10 years to help Ohio employers develop technical talent.
Employers interested in the program can apply through JobsOhio’s Technician Path program.
Last Updated on September 1, 2026 by AVC News
