Creating the TechCred Program

HB 5072 creates West Virginia's TechCred Program, which reimburses employers up to $2,000 per employee for training costs to earn approved microcredentials (industry-recognized certifications completed in under a year). Employers must apply with proof of state business registration, tax compliance, and environmental adherence, while employees must be West Virginia residents. The program requires microcredentials to be approved by the higher education chancellor, prohibits employers from requiring continued employment after training, and mandates annual updates to a list of approved training providers. This directly affects West Virginia employers and their employees seeking job-relevant skills through short-term credentialing.