The National Dislocated Worker Grant for WNC connects employers with eligible workers by providing financial incentives for on-the-job training. Funding is available to off-set a portion of the worker’s salary during the training period.

OJT compensates employers for the costs associated with skills training and loss of production for newly hired employees who qualify as dislocated workers. OJT can assist employers who are looking to expand their businesses and who need additional staff trained with specialized skills. The OJT program ensures that employment and training services are coordinated and complimentary, so that dislocated workers acquire skills and credentials to meet employer needs.

Employers are reimbursed to help defray personnel training costs. Reimbursement for the costs associated with training a new employee is calculated on a sliding scale and depends upon the availability of funds. For example, employers with less than 250 employees can be reimbursed up to 75% of an hourly rate. Our staff assists the business through all phases of the OJT, striving to provide prompt payments with a minimum of paperwork.

Employer eligibility and the level of compensation is determined on a case-by-case basis. It is important to note:

• The business cannot use OJT-funded workers to replace employees laid off within the past six months.
• The business must agree to hire OJT workers as regular, full-time employees. 
• The rate of pay and benefits must be the same as other new hires doing similar work with a starting wage of at least $15 per hour.
• Training must be conducted at the employer’s place of business and may not be subcontracted.

Employers determine the selection criteria for OJT workers (e.g., greater than 8th grade math ability, English-Spanish bilingual ability, or any other applicable criteria). The employer may refer a candidate for screening to determine if they are eligible, or our staff can identify candidates who meet the criteria and refer them to your company to interview. Either way, the employer has the final decision on who will be hired.

A brief OJT Pre-Award Analysis is completed to confirm criteria needed for employers to participate in the program. Then, a standardized OJT contract will be completed containing the terms of agreement such as salary reimbursement amount, time frame, and training plan.

The process of writing and negotiating the contract and establishing a training plan for the individual typically takes 7 to 10 business days. The individual cannot be hired before the effective date of the OJT Contract.