Develop your IT career through the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)
APPLY NOWThese 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.
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.
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) provider list. Training providers on this list are eligible to utilize WIOA funds to instruct participants interested in developing their careers in IT. Global Lynx is an approved provider on the WIET list. WIOA funding is granted directly to Ohio residents through the local Ohio Means Jobs office in each county. Each Ohio Means Jobs office has its own application process and approval requirements. Generally speaking, if you are not working, utilizing WIOA funds will be your best option because it is more flexible than IMAP.
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.
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. This path is for those wanting to enter the IT workforce with no previous IT experience.
Estimated completion time for the whole path, considering live instruction, self-study time and exam preparation: 36 weeks
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. This path is for someone who has management experience and wants to work in IT but not necessarily have a technical position.
Estimated completion time for the whole path, considering live instruction, self-study time and exam preparation: 26 weeks
DevOps Institute
PeopleCert®
PMI®
ISACA®
CompTIA®
ScrumStudy™
EXIN®
EC-Council®
ISC2®
StrategyOps™ Institute
EduCert Institute
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.
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.
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.
A: There are no formal requirements. However, we strongly recommend that you have a solid technology background. Extensive experience is not necessary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A: The typical approval process for IMAP is 5-7 business days. WIOA approvals depend on your local Ohio Means Jobs office.
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.