Press “Play.” It’s time to take action and get that career you’ve planned for.

Growth Follows Those Willing to Stay Curious.

In a world where jobs and skills change quickly, a curious mindset helps you keep moving forward—one step, one skill, one insight at a time. Learning throughout your lifetime – whether resulting in a degree, certificate, or one of the many other outcomes – will help you advance.

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The workplace rewards people who keep learning.

In a world where expectations evolve quickly, staying committed to learning helps you stand out and advance. Show employers that you can adapt, grow, and take on new responsibilities as technology advances and workplaces change. Learning signals initiative.

As you start the training necessary, you’ll see new words. Learning these words first makes the next steps of career exploration easier.

First, learn the lingo.

  • Book with Graduation Cap

    Advanced Degree

    Degree earned beyond a bachelor’s level.

  • Lightbulb surrounded by pencil and ruler

    Apprenticeship

    Structured learning pathway combining work + study.

  • Diploma

    Associate Degree

    Completion of two-year program with minimum of 60 credit hours.

  • Diploma and graduation cap

    Bachelor Degree

    Completion of undergraduate program with 100-126 credit hours.

  • Certificate

    Certificate

    Shorter, more focused program of study worth 30 credit hours.

  • Badge within a shield

    Certification

    Credential earned by passing an industry exam.

  • Star within a shield

    Credential

    Proof of learned skill or completed training.

  • Icons representing annoucements

    Endorsement

    Extra qualification earned to show expertise beyond main program.

  • Certificate

    License

    Legal permission from the state to work in a specific occupation.

  • Person raising hand surrounded by upward arrows.

    On-the-Job Training

    Instruction while performing actual job duties in the workplace.

Build Your Resume

Male and female adults.
What are my options?
How can I afford it?

WHERE TO START TRAINING

You have more training choices than you might think, and all of them can help you grow. Explore the option below that matches who you are today and where you want to go next.

Certificate
Explore Options

CERTIFICATES & CREDENTIALS

Short, job-ready training. Great for fast entry.

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Find Locations

APPRENTICESHIPS

Learn by doing. Earn while you learn.

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Explore Degrees

COLLEGE DEGREES

Options for 2-4+ years.

Briefcase
Know Demands

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Learn skills directly at work.

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CERTIFICATES & CREDENTIALS

Credentials and certificates help show what you know. They are proof that you’ve learned a skill, completed training, or met an industry standard. Many of them can be earned quickly and can open doors to good jobs.

Industry-recognized credentials are recognized across multiple employers or the broader industry and often endorsed by a trade association. Also, the credential is accepted, preferred, or required by employers for hiring and/or advancement.

All certificates are credentials, but not all credentials are certificates.

In-Demand Data

Northwest Ohio’s Current In-Demand Certificates & Credentials:

Earn One Right Now.

  • Learn new skills and earn a credential that can lead to a great job. Credentials can only be earned by completing a course with a specific trainer. Only certain credentials (all are technology focused) are approved for this program.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Current Ohio resident and U.S. citizen.

    • Adults over the age of 18.

      • High school students entering their junior or senior year are eligible if the credential earned is not offered through College Credit Plus at their school district.

    • Not an employee of the State of Ohio nor the IMAP training provider.

    Cost:

    • IMAP-approved courses are free to eligible participants. The State of Ohio covers the cost of tuition, course materials, and any fees.

    Northwest Ohio

    Providers and approved credentials.

  • Technology-focused credentials that take a year or less to complete and prepare employees for the technology-infused jobs Ohio employers need.

    Eligibility:

    • Any Ohio employer registered with the secretary of state and with a physical, non-residential business location in Ohio that employs Ohio resident W-2 employees.

    • Individuals participating through their employer must be W-2 employees.

    • No contractors or 1099s.

    Cost:

    • Employers pay for the employees’ training. The State of Ohio reimburses the employer for the training.

      • A credential must be pre-approved by the State of Ohio.

    Eligible Credentials for Attainment

    Employer Application Portal

  • Ohio’s career-technical (career tech) system supports both high school students and adult learners.

    1. High school programs typically focus on entry-level credentials.

    2. Adult programs emphasize occupation-specific credentials.

    Apollo Career Center (Lima)

    Four County Career Center (Archbold)

    Millstream Career Center (Findlay)

    Penta Career Center (Perrysburg)

    Toledo Public Schools (Toledo)

    Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers (Fremont)

    Vantage Career Center (Van Wert)

  • Ohio’s community colleges offer two types of short-term workforce training.

    1. Academic certificates are credit-bearing, appear on a college transcript, and may apply toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.

    2. Workforce development or non-credit certificates provide shorter, skills-focused training designed to quickly prepare individuals for employment or advancement.

    Marion Technical College (Marion)

    Northwest State Community College (Archbold & Maumee)

    Owens Community College (Findlay & Perrysburg)

    Rhodes State College (Lima)

    Terra State Community College (Tiffin)

  • Ohio’s colleges and universities may offer academic certificate programs and/or industry-recognized credentials embedded within individual courses or degree pathways.

    Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green) and Firelands (Sandusky)

    Defiance College (Defiance)

    Heidelberg University (Tiffin)

    Ohio Northern University (Ada)

    Tiffin University (Tiffin)

    University of Findlay (Findlay)

    University of Toledo (Toledo)

  • Many credentials and certifications can also be earned through independent online training providers and industry certification platforms. Examples of possible trainings include:

    Adobe (Arts, Entertainment, Design)

    Google (Digital Technology)

    HubSpot (Digital Technology)

    Medical Administrative Assistant (Healthcare)

    Microsoft (Digital Technology)

    National Incident Management (Public Safety)

    RISE Up (Hospitality, Sales, Retail, Supply Chain)

    ToolingU-SME (Manufacturing)

APPRENTICESHIPS

A hands-on way to learn real skills while preparing for strong, in-demand careers across Ohio. These options blend classroom instruction with workplace training. An apprentice must be 16 years or older (unless otherwise determined by training provider). 

Two different types of apprenticeships exist in Ohio:

  1. Registered apprenticeships are federally and/or state recognized, with regulated training and a final credential.

  2. Unregistered apprenticeships are employer-led training programs without formal federal and/or state registration.

Ohio Apprenticeship Dashboard

Northwest Ohio’s In-Demand Apprenticeships

  • Manufacturing (Tool and Die, Maintenance Technician, Machinery Technician, Millwright, Electrician, Fabrication, Welding)

  • Construction (Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Masonry, Painter, Roofer)

  • Public Safety (Police Officer, Firefighter, EMT/Paramedic)

  • Healthcare (Nursing Assistant)

  • Education (Early Childhood Care, Preschool Teacher)

Discover Your Options.

COLLEGE DEGREES

You can start at a community college or a four-year university. College helps you build advanced skills and earn that degree that many employers may require.

Ohio's Campuses

Northwest Ohio Programs With the Greatest Number of Graduates:

Associate Degrees

  • Registered Nurse

  • Auto Mechanic

  • Medical Assistant

  • Business Administration

  • Diesel Mechanics

  • Robotics Technology

  • Physical Therapy Assistant

  • Radiology Technician

  • Electrical Engineering Tech

  • Dental Hygiene

  • General Studies

Bachelor Degrees

  • Registered Nurse

  • Business Administration

  • Marketing

  • Biology

  • Psychology

  • Finance

  • Accounting

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Criminal Justice

  • Social Work

  • Education

Which Type of College Is Available?

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Some employers teach new hires the skills they need in their workplace. This is called on-the-job training, and it lets you learn by doing while earning a paycheck. Not every company uses this approach, but when they do, it’s a great way to build real skills quickly. You get guidance from experienced workers and practice each step of the job.

OhioMeansJobs

Typical Skills Developed With On-the-Job Training

  • Operating equipment or tools

  • Following safety procedures and workplace rules

  • Mastering step-by-step job tasks

  • Using company software

  • Communicating with customers, coworkers, or supervisors

  • Reading work orders, labels, or instructions accurately

  • Learning quality checks and standards

  • Understanding workflow and daily routines

  • Building speed and accuracy through practice

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AFFORD TRAINING

when it means this much

Don’t Let Sticker Price Stop You.

Don’t let a price tag shut the door on your future. Many training programs offer financial aid, grants, or scholarships that can lower the cost—and some options in Ohio are even free. With the right information, you can pursue a path that fits your budget.

Explore Funding Options.

WHAT COMES NEXT.

Next Step: Reflect. Move on the next step of the journey. Check in, adjust, and keep rising.
Listen to the stories of those who've been in your shoes.