COLUMBUS — Thousands of Ohio employees have received training to advance their career through the Ohio Incumbent Workforce Training Voucher Program, and now that number will increase because round five is rapidly approaching.

“It’s important that Ohio’s workforce keeps current,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. “This training ensures employees stay ahead of the game, keeping Ohio competitive.”

Training in the following high-demand fields is eligible: advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, automotive manufacturing, automotive technicians, biohealth, corporate headquarters, energy, financial services, food processing, information technology and services, polymers and chemicals, logistics or research and development. Training opportunities include, but are not limited to, operational skills training, certification processes and equipment training. Training can occur at the employer’s facility, the provider’s training facility or at a third-party site.

The Ohio Development Services Agency reimburses the employer for up to 50 percent of the eligible training costs, up to $4,000 per employee, after the employer pays the full cost of the training, and the employee successfully completes the training. The maximum amount an employer may qualify for in a fiscal year is $75,000. The company must have been in operation for at least 12 months in Ohio to participate.

Eligible businesses could begin the online application process on Sept. 26 and will have three weeks to gather the necessary information to complete their applications. The online applications will be accepted on a first-come, first- served basis and can be submitted beginning at 10 a.m., Oct. 14.

For information, visit http://development.ohio.gov/bs/bs_wtvp.htm.