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Columbus, OH — Employers across the Columbus Region have a new way to develop the skilled technicians they need to grow. JobsOhio and One Columbus today announced the launch of JobsOhio Technician Path, an incentive program that helps companies train workers for technical careers while employees earn a paycheck and build their skills. Applications opened today, Monday, Aug. 31.
Ohio will need more than 230,000 technicians over the next 10 years to meet employer demand. Today, there are five open positions for every qualified technician candidate. JobsOhio Technician Path aims to help close that gap by making it easier for employers to invest in training that prepares people for those careers.
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.”
The program was introduced locally at Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools, where JobsOhio and One Columbus joined education partners to share details about the incentive and application process. The event was one of seven announcement events held across Ohio to celebrate the incentive’s launch.
JobsOhio Technician Path advances the first phase of JobsOhio’s $300 million, 10-year Experiential Learning Initiative, announced in June to expand the state’s pipeline of skilled technical professionals.
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
“When a company considers investing in the Columbus Region, confidence in the workforce is central to that decision,” said Jonas Peterson, chief economic development officer and president of One Columbus. “Employers need to know who will operate their equipment today and how they will develop talent as the business grows. This initiative strengthens our answer to both questions while giving Ohioans a practical path to advance their skills and earning potential. We have worked hard to make our region a place where companies want to grow. This brings that same commitment to helping people grow with them.”
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.
“When employers invest in their employees through education and training, they’re investing in the strength of their entire organization,” said Shelley Groves, Superintendent of Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools. “Providing employees with opportunities to build their skills and develop as leaders helps create a stronger, more prepared workforce. At Eastland-Fairfield, we’re proud to be a partner in that investment by providing training that meets the needs of both employees and employers. We look forward to continuing to build partnerships with local companies and working together to strengthen workforce development across our region.”
For more information about JobsOhio Technician Path or to apply, visit jobsohio.com/path.
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About the Columbus Partnership
The Columbus Partnership is a nonprofit organization of CEOs from Columbus’ leading businesses and institutions. Through our membership and other ally organizations across Central Ohio, the Partnership upholds a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country. The Columbus Partnership team also includes One Columbus, one of the nation’s top economic development teams that serves the 11-county Columbus Region; and Smart Columbus, an innovation lab that applies technology to advance community good. The Columbus Partnership team works to help create jobs and attract capital investment, expand access to opportunity, and improve the economic competitiveness of the Columbus Region. Learn more at columbusregion.com.
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.