On-the-Job Training Program

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What is it?

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is one strategy for individuals to receive training funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

OJT provides reimbursements to employers to help compensate for the costs associated with skills upgrade training.  OJT training can assist employers who are looking to expand their businesses and who need additional staff trained with specialized skills.  OJT employers may receive up to 75% of the wage rate of OJT trainees to help defray personnel training costs.

Benefits

  • Provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job

  • Provides reimbursements to the employer for the costs associated with training the OJT trainee

  • Reimbursements up to 75% of trainee’s hourly wage

  • Employers makes all hiring decisions

  • Employers save on recruiting, screening, and training costs

  • OJT trainees are managed like regular employees

Employer Pre-Screening and Eligibility Requirements

Prior to entering into an OJT agreement, pre-screening will be conducted to ensure that the employer meets minimum standards and can provide both training and long-term employment to an OJT trainee.  Employers must ensure:

  • Retaining OJT participants for a period of no less than one year after the OJT contract has been completed;

  • Company has operated at its current location for at least 120 days.  If less than 120 days, employers must submit documentation to prove they are functioning elsewhere for more than 120 days, that they are not relocating, and no employee dislocation occurred;

  • The OJT trainee is employed under a payroll system that includes documentation of attendance, days worked and number of hours worked per date, computation of gross wages, deductions, and net pay;

  • Wage and labor standards will be adhered to and pay the OJT trainee no less than the State minimum wage and at the same rates, including increases, as trainees or employees who are situated in similar jobs;

  • Compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, WIOA and its regulations.

For more information related to this program, please contact the Imperial County Workforce Development Office at (442) 265-7579 or email BusinessServices@co.imperial.ca.us.