Ohio’s TechCred program is designed to remove barriers for employers looking to upskill their workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy—such as Ohio’s.

ACerS and the Edward Orton Jr Ceramic Foundation have collaborated to deliver courses and certificate programs designed to serve the unique training needs of the ceramic and glass industry. We are your one-stop solution for training in refractories, firing and drying of ceramics, sintering, ceramic manufacturing processes, glass science and glassmaking, and more.

Learn how you can use TechCred to access ACerS and Edward Orton Ceramic Foundation training to benefit your Ohio-based employees.

Ohio TechCred

 

What is TechCred?

The TechCred program helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy.

Many of these trainings can be completed online!

These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need.

The program is explained on this video.

Learn from Experts

Learn from experts in convenient course formats: ACerS and Orton recruit subject matter experts in topics that you care about. We focus on ceramic and glass materials science and leave the metals, polymers, and other materials sciences to others. Our courses are taught live online or you can select a prerecorded option. All live online courses are recorded for the convenience of students who are in different time zones or who might miss attending a class or two.


How can TechCred Help?

TechCred will reimburse employers up to $2,000 per student per credential (course). Select the course(s) from the ACerS-Orton Learning Center that will build your employee’s skills. Follow the instructions on the TechCred website to apply to the TechCred program. Your company has to apply for TechCred and be approved. Once approved and training is completed, submit your application for reimbursement. All the details are available at https://techcred.ohio.gov/about.

How does TechCred Work?

There are a few steps, and the State of Ohio has streamlined the process. The State approves courses for TechCred on a case-by-case basis, thus, you will not see ACerS-Orton courses listed on the state-approved TechCred list until they have been requested by companies such as yours.

Simply submit your TechCred application to the State during an open grant window along with information about the desired training in your application. Use our Learning Center website to get information about specific courses, or contact us for information the application requires.

The State’s TechCred Review Panel will review the application and the course details. If the course is approved, the application will be approved and the ACerS-Orton course will appear on the TechCred drop down list.

Go to the TechCred program guidelines for full details.


2024 Open grant windows

Below are grant application windows for 2024.

  • 2024 Application Periods:

January 2–31, 2024

March 1–29, 2024

May 1–31, 2024

July 1–31, 2024

September 2–30, 2024

November 1–29, 2024


What is a credential?

“Credential” is an overarching term that includes both certificates and certifications.

A certificate is earned by individuals who successfully complete a training, course, or series of courses. ACerS offers three certificate programs and Orton offers two refractory technology certificates. ACerS-Orton does not offer certification programs. TechCred grants can be used for each course to help your employee build toward a certificate.

What makes a credential eligible?

Employers applying for TechCred must select which credential their employee is pursuing. To be considered eligible, credentials must meet all three criteria. Eligibility requirements for credentials include:

  • They must be industry-recognized.
  • They must be technology-focused (as defined below).
  • They must be short-term. Credentials must be certificates or certifications able to be completed in less than 12 months or in programs that are fewer than 900 clock hours or thirty (30) credit hours.

ACerS-Orton courses are able to meet all three criteria.

What is a technology credential?

Technology credentials demonstrate the competencies necessary to succeed in an occupation that utilizes technology to develop, build, and deliver products and services. Technology credentials rely on science, technology, engineering and/or math related education, as well as technical skills, to benefit an employer dependent on the development, deployment and investment in new and emerging technology, including software development, advanced manufacturing, data analytics, cybersecurity, computer hardware and design, military applications and other emerging fields.

Credentials on the approved list have been recommended by the Technology Review of Educational Credentials (TECHREC) panel of experts and approved by the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.


How can The American Ceramic Society help?

ACerS will provide you with a description of the course and its learning objectives to be submitted with your application, if needed. Once a course has been approved and added to the list of eligible credentials for TechCred, you will select the credential from the drop down list. ACerS will also provide a certificate of completion for your employee that you will need to submit for reimbursement for TechCred.

Contact us

For more information about the ACerS-Orton program or for help with your TechCred application, contact Greg Geiger at ggeiger@ceramics.org or an ACerS customer service representative at customerservice@ceramics.org.