training / become a provider

Become an Eligible Training Provider

Greater Cleveland Works relies on a network of Eligible Training Providers (ETPs) to support workers looking to earn a certificate, degree or other credential, gain new skills, and advance in their career. ETPs are a critical part of the workforce development system and offer a range of training services that lead to credentials in a variety of sectors, from a CNC operating license to a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

Greater Cleveland Works partners with community colleges, universities, community-based organizations, and other public and private providers of adult education and training to prepare Northeast Ohio’s workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Together, we serve our region’s growing businesses and strengthen our economy.

When you become an ETP with Greater Cleveland Works, your organization receives reimbursement for the approved training services you provide through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or other appropriate funding sources. Learn more and join us in supporting Northeast Ohio’s workforce!

Apply to Become an ETP
See List of Approved ETPs
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Apply to Become an ETP

Timeline

Applications are accepted February 1 – March 15 of each year. Applications submitted outside of that timeframe are not accepted. Decisions are made no later than April 30.

Qualifications
  1. To qualify as an ETP, a provider of training services must meet the following criteria:  
  2. Registered with the Ohio Secretary of State to do business in Ohio, is exempted from such registration, or registered to do business in another state if the provider does not have a significant presence in Ohio; 
  3. Remained in business for two years or longer, as indicated by the date initially registered with the Secretary of State;
  4. Is not debarred, suspended, proposed for disbarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in transactions by the U.S. Department of Labor or the state of Ohio;  
  5. Does not owe any outstanding tax liability to the state or federal government more than six months past due; and  
  6. Does not owe any outstanding civil, criminal, or administrative fines or penalties at the state or federal level.
Application

Submit the completed Training Provider Application and required attachments to DeShaun Matthews via email at Deshaun.Matthews@jfs.ohio.gov. 

  • Complete the application in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
  • For multiple programs to be considered for approval, please complete Part II Sections B through H for each program. 

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee approval. See our Eligible Training Provider Policy for more details. 

For an application to be considered, the training provider must be registered on the state of Ohio’s eligible training provider list, Workforce Inventory of Education and Training (WIET). 
Visit wiet.ohio.gov to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Eligible Training Provider (ETP)?

ETPs include accredited higher education institutions that provide programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials; entities carrying out programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50); and public or private for-profit providers of training services. These providers may include but are not limited to community-based organizations, joint labor-management organizations, and providers of adult education and literacy activities under title II of WIOA (in Ohio, known as Aspire) if such activities are provided in combination with occupational skills training.

2. What types of training do ETPs provide?

A training program is considered one or more courses or classes or a structured regimen that leads to:

  • Measurable skill gains toward a credential.
  • An industry-recognized certificate or certification, a certification of completion of a registered apprenticeship, a license recognized by Ohio or the federal government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree;
  • A secondary school diploma or its equivalent;
  • Employment; or
  • Measurable skill gains toward a credential.
3. What are the steps to become a Greater Cleveland Works approved ETP?
  • Register as a training provider with the state of Ohio by visiting the state’s Workforce Inventory of Education and Training (WIET) site, https://wiet.ohio.gov. 
  • Once approved, add program offerings to the state’s website. Please note that the provider cannot cut and paste a link to the course catalog when adding programs. Each program must be separately entered as they are approved individually. 
  • Apply to become a Greater Cleveland Works ETP by filling out this application. Greater Cleveland Works accepts applications each year from January 1 through February 28. Decisions are made no later than April 30.
  • Submit the completed Training Provider Application and required attachments to DeShaun Matthews via email at Deshaun.Matthews@jfs.ohio.gov.
4. I am already on Ohio’s eligible training provider list, Workforce Inventory of Education and Training (WIET). Do I have to apply to Greater Cleveland Works separately?

Yes. Registering and being listed as an approved ETP by the state of Ohio does not mean you’re approved to obtain training funds from Greater Cleveland Works. You must apply separately. At the same time, Greater Cleveland Works cannot review any application or approve training for a job seeker if the training provider is not first approved by the state of Ohio.

5. What is the maximum amount of training funds per student?

The maximum amount of training funding Greater Cleveland Works provides is $6,000 per student. There are exceptions to the $6,000 threshold for the following sectors:

  • $8,500 for in-demand occupations in information technology;
  • $7,500 for in-demand occupations in manufacturing; and
  • $7,500 for in-demand occupations in health care.
6. What factors does Greater Cleveland Works consider when reviewing applications?
  • Cost of programs 
  • Customer need 
  • Physical location accessibility 
  • Occupation is in-demand 
  • Program performance

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