New JobsOhio Technician Path Helps Southwest Ohio Employers Build Skilled Workforce
Incentive program provides participating companies up to $10,000 per employee
who completes a training pathway for in-demand technician careers
CINCINNATI – As Ohio continues to invest in workforce development, JobsOhio and REDI Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati State and Technical and Community College, where REDI Cincinnati’s president and CEO, Kimm Lauterbach, joined local education partners and companies actively hiring skilled technicians to officially introduce the newest way that JobsOhio and REDI Cincinnati are supporting southwest Ohio employers in developing and retaining world-class talent. The event in southwest 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
“Workforce is one of the key drivers of company growth and success. For businesses in our region to expand, invest and compete, they need access to skilled talent, particularly technicians who can fill critical roles in our growing industries,” said Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. “The JobsOhio Technician Path gives companies a practical tool to invest in their employees, build stronger talent pipelines and create more opportunities for southwest Ohioans to gain the skills needed for in-demand careers.”
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.
“Cincinnati State was founded on the belief that cooperative and experiential education are crucial ingredients to great technical education. The Technician Earn-and-Learn Incentive Program will provide employers the support they need to get involved and reap the benefits of a talent pipeline educated under these principles.” – Cincinnati State Provost Robbin Hoopes (& Incoming President 9/1/26).
For more information about JobsOhio Technician Path or to apply, visit jobsohio.com/path.
About REDI Cincinnati
The Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Cincinnati is the first point-of-contact for companies locating or growing in the 15-county region at the heart of southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. REDI Cincinnati is supported by top business leaders and community partners and staffed by a team of economic development experts who are uniting the Cincinnati region to compete globally. The future is bright, and we’re building it, right now. Join us at REDICincinnati.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.