Free IT Training for Ohioans

Develop your IT career through the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)

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These programs are intended for Ohio residents only.
Each program has its own rules and considerations; apply through Global Lynx and we’ll guide you through the best program for you.

What is IMAP?What is WIOA?Courses AvailableTestimonialsFAQHow to Apply

What is IMAP?

The Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) was created by the Ohio Department of Development in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation to allow Ohioans to participate in a training program and receive one or more microcredentials. While prior to 2024 the program was once targeted towards individuals who are low-income, partially unemployed, or totally unemployed, all Ohioans are now eligible to receive training through IMAP

Since 2020, Global Lynx has successfully helped Ohioans earn nearly 1,000 valuable certifications through the IMAP program. While our 2024 IMAP funds are fully allocated, we have waitlists available for 2025 certification training courses. Additionally, we can assist you in exploring other funding options, such as WIOA through Ohio Means Jobs or TechCred if you are employed by an Ohio-based company.

Ohio Imap

What is WIOA?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal workforce development legislation that funds training in high-demand occupations, including IT. The approved training providers for WIOA in the State of Ohio are listed in the Workforce Inventory of Education and Training (WIET). Training providers on this list are eligible to receive WIOA funds to instruct participants interested in developing their careers in IT. Global Lynx is an approved provider in WIET. WIET funding is granted directly to Ohio residents through the local Ohio Means Jobs office in each county.

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Which courses can I take through IMAP or WIOA with Global Lynx?

You can take one or more courses in the following IT Career Paths.
We strongly recommend that you complete a whole path to better support your IT career.

IT Support Specialist

Analyzes, troubleshoots and evaluates technology issues. This role may support internal clients, helping to keep employees productive, or external customers of a company, helping them via the telephone or webchat.

  • Digital Literacy (optional) 30 hours
  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals 40 hours
  • Introduction to Agile and Scrum Methodologies 12 hours
  • ITIL 4 Foundation 20 hours
  • DevOps Foundation 12 hours
  • CompTIA A+ 80 hours

Estimated completion time for the whole path, considering live instruction, self-study time and exam preparation: 36 weeks

IT Project Coordinator

Coordinates project phases and schedules, arranges support services, orders supplies, and tracks the project's progress. This role typically reports to a project manager and serves as a department liaison to product developers and marketing executives.

  • Introduction to Agile and Scrum Methodologies 12 hours
  • SCRUMstudy Scrum Master Certified 16 hours
  • DevOps Foundation 12 hours
  • ScrumStudy Agile Master Certified 16 hours
  • ITIL 4 Foundation 20 hours
  • CompTIA Project+ 40 hours

Estimated completion time for the whole path, considering live instruction, self-study time and exam preparation: 26 weeks

Associate DevOps Consultant

Works with software development and IT operations teams to promote the adoption of DevOps practices, applying organizational change management approaches and techniques and serving as a cultural transformation agent.

  • DevOps Foundation 12 hours
  • Introduction to Agile and Scrum Methodologies 12 hours
  • Agile Scrum 12 hours
  • DevOps Engineering Foundation 16 hours
  • DevOps Leader 16 hours
  • DevOps Continuous Testing Foundation (optional) 16 hours
  • CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ 40 hours

Estimated completion time for the whole path, considering live instruction, self-study time and exam preparation: 26 weeks


IT Process Practitioner

Works with IT leadership and management teams to promote and enforce the adoption of best practices across domains such as IT service management, information security, IT governance, risk and compliance, and more. Has a strong focus on process adoption and continual improvement.

  • ITIL 4 Foundation 20 hours
  • Introduction to Agile and Scrum Methodologies (optional) 12 h
  • Agile Scrum 12 hours
  • DevOps Foundation 12 hours
  • DevOps Leader 16 hours
  • ScrumStudy Agile Master Certified 16 hours
  • ITIL 4 Create, Deliver and Support 24 hours

Estimated completion time for the whole path, considering live instruction, self-study time and exam preparation: 24 weeks

How do I apply for IMAP or WIOA with Global Lynx?
  • 1. Complete the “Introduction to IT Careers” short course.

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  • 2. Complete a questionnaire.
  • 3. Schedule your trainings.
  • 4. Earn your IT certifications with Global Lynx!

We are an IT Training Organization Accredited by

DevOps Institute Registered Education Partner

DevOps Institute

ITIL Accredited Training Organization PeopleCert on behalf of Axelos

PeopleCert®

PMI authorized training partner

PMI®

ISACA Accredited Elite Partner

ISACA®

CompTIA Authorized Partner

CompTIA®

Scrum Study Registered Education Provider

ScrumStudy™

EXIN Accredited Partner

EXIN®

EC-Council Accredited Training Center

EC-Council®

ISC Official Training Partner

ISC2®

StrategyOps Institute

StrategyOps™ Institute

EduCert Institute

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What Our Past Participants Say
Participant testimonials
FAQ
Q: What is required to participate in the courses?+

A: Our courses are all live, online, and instructor-led, so a working computer with webcam and internet connection is required. Attendance is also required. Our courses will take place anywhere from 4-8 hours per day for up to two weeks, so time commitment is essential. All courses require a 90% attendance.

Q: Will I be able to find a job by getting certified in one or more of these courses?+

A: The certifications offered by Global Lynx are the most relevant ones being sought by organizations in the marketplace. Having one or more of these certifications can help you find a new or a better job. We recommend that you do research in your area, as markets around the state can have higher demand. However, we cannot guarantee that you will get a job since that depends on other variables such as your skills, experience, background, and others.

Q: Do I have to pay anything for these courses or are there any hidden costs?+

A: Absolutely nothing. The IMAP and the WIOA program are fully funded by the Government. All you have to do is take the class and do your best it to get certified.

Q: Do I need any specific background or experience to take these courses?+

A: There are no formal requirements. However, we strongly recommend that you have a solid technology background. Extensive experience is not necessary.

Q: Can I use these courses to switch careers to IT?+

A: Some foundational courses may help you get a better understanding of IT, but you might need more than that to start a career in IT coming from a different field. Some other courses are very technical and do require an IT background.

Q: Can I enroll in the IMAP or the WIOA program if I have a proper job?+

A: Yes. IMAP is open to all Ohioans, regardless of their employment status. WIOA does have some restrictions, which vary from each county. That's why we help you define the program that fits you best.

Q: Can I enroll in the IMAP or the WIOA program if I’m not an Ohio resident?+

A: Unfortunately not. These programs are for Ohio residents only. If you would like to participate in our courses and are outside of Ohio, please contact johnnie.evans@globallynx.com for pricing information.

Q: Am I committed to anything by enrolling to any of these courses?+

A: Yes. We expect your commitment to responsibly attend the full course, spend time studying on your own and prepare for taking the certification exam, and putting your best effort forward to passing that certification exam on the first attempt.

Q: If I qualify for either IMAP or WIOA, how long does it take to get the funding approved?+

A: The typical approval process for IMAP is 5-7 business days. WIOA approvals depend on your local Ohio Means Jobs office.

Global Lynx WIOA Refund Policy

Global Lynx will refund the cost of any WIOA training program to Ohio Means Jobs if the participant is not happy with the quality of the service provided, as long as written confirmation of cancellation is received no later than 2 days after the course starts. A $500 administrative fee may be retained plus any costs already incurred on materials, exams, tuition, or any other asset already delivered to the participant.

Cancellations made by the participant due to personal conflicts, changing priorities or any other reasons not related to the quality of the service provided by Global Lynx will not be reimbursed.

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