New Albany and Gahanna employers can apply for up to $30,000 in state reimbursement to train workers in technology fields through Ohio's TechCred program.

The Ohio Department of Development opened the latest application round on Thursday, Oct. 1. The program reimburses employers up to $1,000 per employee, per credential. The $30,000 cap applies per application cycle.

Employers can use the funds for both current and prospective W-2 employees. Independent contractors and 1099 workers are not eligible.

TechCred reimbursed $208 million to Ohio organizations from October 2019 through the end of 2025, according to the Ohio Society of CPAs.

The program is open to private employers of all sizes registered with the Ohio secretary of state that have a physical business location in the state. Public entities, including local governments, libraries and public schools, cannot apply. Only one application per employer is accepted each round.

Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, said in the Oct. 1 announcement that the program helps workers build skills and creates career opportunities statewide.

Eligible training must result in a certification, take less than 12 months and total fewer than 900 clock hours or 30 credit hours. Employers can pick from a list of approved credentials or request that a new one be added.

Training providers must be registered or accredited through one of six state-recognized bodies, including Ohio community colleges, Ohio technical centers and ApprenticeOhio.

The New Albany International Business Park is home to advanced manufacturing, life sciences and data-center employers that would qualify, according to the New Albany Business Association. The state classifies eligible employers by size: small (1–50 employees), medium (51–200) and large (201 or more).

Employers can apply at development.ohio.gov before 3 p.m. Oct. 30.