Employer Resources

Connecting TECHNOLOGY Professionals
to Tomorrow’s Workforce!

Build Your Future Workforce with SOCHE

The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) connects businesses with the region’s next generation of talent—from high school to college students and even transitioning military members. Here’s how SOCHE can help your business.

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High School Internships (Fully Funded!)

SOCHE, through a grant from the Ohio Department of Education, will cover 100% of a high school intern’s salary (200-hour minimum). Eligible roles include IT, engineering tech, and other technical jobs.

College Internships

With 40+ years of experience, SOCHE recruits, screens, and manages interns from multiple universities—making it easy for employers to grow their future workforce with the right talent.

Engage with K-12 Students

Connect with 80,000+ regional high schoolers through career fairs, classroom visits, shadowing, or work-based learning. SOCHE offers a streamlined 3-step hiring process and support at every step.

Recruit Military Talent with SkillBridge

Through the DoD’s SkillBridge program, bring on transitioning service members for up to 6 months—paid by the military, not your company.

Resources & Support

SOCHE offers employer toolkits, legal guidance, and engagement strategies to help you build strong pipelines from classrooms to careers. Learn more: soche.org or contact soche@soche.org

Western Ohio Technology Industry Sector Partnership (ISP)

Technology First, SOCHE, and MMEC are collaborating to strengthen Ohio’s tech workforce. By uniting employers, educators, and community partners, we align training with industry needs, expand access to programs like TechCred and IMAP, and support underrepresented populations. We also promote K–12 tech curriculum and work-based learning to drive Ohio’s economic growth.

Regional Focus:
Serving western Ohio counties including Montgomery, Greene, Fayette, Clinton, Preble, Clark, Miami, Darke, Champaign, Mercer, Shelby, Auglaize, and Logan.

Learn More: SOCHE Industry Sector Partnership

Invest in Your Workforce with TechCred

TechCred helps employers upskill their teams by providing grants for employee training—at no cost to you. From technical certifications to essential business skills, you can choose the training that fits your company’s needs.

Boost employee skills. Strengthen your organization.

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Application rounds open every other month: January, March, May, July, September, and November.

Explored approved credentials fromTechnology First's Trusted Members

Dignified Learning
Edison State Community
Max Technical Training
Organization Solutions LLC
Phishbusters Academy
Sinclair College
Teksystems
University of Dayton
Wright State University

Learn More: techcred.ohio.gov

Career Connection: Build Your Future Workforce

Join the YouScience® Employer Spotlight and connect with local, skilled students ready to fill in-demand roles.

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Create a free company profile to showcase your organization and open the door to future talent. You’ll reach candidates whose strengths and certifications align with your needs—helping you build a stronger pipeline, faster. Why join?

Discover qualified, local candidates
Strengthen your talent pipeline
Engage with your community

Get started today at YouScience

Free Cybersecurity Training for Ohio Small Businesses & Nonprofits

Cyber threats are real—especially for small organizations. The Ohio Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Pilot Program offers a free, self-paced online course to help businesses and nonprofits (under 500 employees) build stronger cyber defenses.

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In just 3–4 hours, learn key cybersecurity basics like phishing, password safety, and network protection. Earn a digital badge and access helpful tools to keep your organization secure.

No deadlines. No cost. Just practical training funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Get started today at OSUcyberEd.org.

Montgomery County Business Solutions Center

Your Partner in Growth—at No Cost
The Business Solutions Center connects businesses with free expert support in workforce planning, navigating government requirements, and accessing local and state incentives. Our one-of-a-kind facility also hosts meetings, offers networking opportunities, and provides space for planning and development. We align with Montgomery County's economic goals to help businesses grow and thrive—now and into the future.

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Contact:
Michael Stern, Workforce Program Coordinator
(937) 813-1173 | sternm@mcohio.org

Connect with Top Talent on Handshake

Students and employers use Handshake to find and fill job opportunities. From start to hire, it’s your go-to platform for reaching qualified, diverse candidates.

Learn more and watch how-to videos at the Handshake Support link for employers.

Dayton/Miami Valley PMI Chapter

The Dayton/Miami Valley Chapter of the Project Management Institute is a vibrant network of professionals advancing project management across industries. We promote best practices, certification, training, and professional development while sharing real-world experiences and building community.

Learn more at Dayton PMI.

Click an Organization for More Information

Meet Our Partners

Our Cornerstone Partners share a common goal: to connect, strengthen, and champion the technology community in our region. A Technology First Partner is an elite member leading the support, development, and expansion of Technology First services. In return, Partners improve community visibility and increase their revenue. Make a difference in our region and your business.

Become A Partner