Workforce Development

At the request of the Employer, American Job Center Staff can search their customer pools for WIOA eligible individuals who possess the required skills and qualifications the Employer is looking for. Access to American Job Center Job Seeker Pools

A number of services like job matching, participation in regional Job Fairs, job posting(s) at American Job Centers, etc. are offered to assist Employers with their recruitment efforts.

Customized Training is designed to meet the specific needs and requirements of an Employer, or a group of Employers, to introduce workers or potential workers, including those with disabilities: To new technologies or new products or services procedures. To upgrading employee skills for new jobs; If employees are not earning a self-sufficient wage or For other appropriate workforce development purposes in accordance with the WIOA. Customized Training will be limited to the period of time required for individuals to reach a competency level required in the occupation for which individuals are being trained. However, under no circumstances will Customized Training exceeds thirty (30) days. Customized Training may be offered to no less than a total of ten (10) eligible Participants. The Employer pays for no less than fifty percent (50%) of total training costs. Through participation in Customized Training, an Employer may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The OJT Program is designed to benefit both the WIOA eligible individual and the Employer. This program matches Employer needs with WIOA eligible individual’s qualifications. Occupational training is provided by an Employer to an OJT Participant in exchange for reimbursement to cover the extraordinary cost of providing training and supervision related to the training. OJT reimbursement will be limited in duration depending on the occupation the OJT Participant is being trained for but will not, in any circumstance, exceed six (6) months or 1040 hours. The hours of training will be based on the academic and occupational skill levels and prior work experience of the OJT Participant.

Employer reimbursement will occur in accordance with the region’s reimbursement sliding scale. The number of reimbursable hours to a participating Employer depends on the total number of existing employees the Employer has. Payments for reimbursement of an OJT Participant’s wages are made directly to the Employer. The Employer is responsible for designing the training program for the OJT Participant at the worksite. The OJT Participant is to be compensated the same wage rate, including periodic increases, as other trainees or employees who are in similar occupations with the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills. The OJT Participant must be hired on a full-time basis with an hourly wage rate of no less than the minimum wage rate. Full-time employment is considered to be no less than thirty-five (35) hours per week. OJT funds may be used when placing a Participant in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. An OJT contractual agreement can be written with a Registered Apprenticeship Program or a participating Employer in a Registered Apprenticeship Program for the OJT portion of the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Depending on the length of the Registered Apprenticeships and available funding, WIOA funds may cover some or all of the Registered Apprenticeship Training. Through participation in the OJT program, an Employer may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Apprenticeships are industry-driven models that combine on-the-job learning with job-related instruction as an “earn and learn” model apprentices are employed and earn wages from the first day on-the-job. Using Apprenticeships as work strategies contribute to higher performance outcomes in employment, retention, earnings, and credential attainment. Apprenticeships are extremely effective experiences that allow individuals to ”earn while they learn” and gain hands-on experience in building the skills that employers require.

At the request of the Employer, the American Job Center Staff may develop a job order on its behalf. Or, the Employer can develop the job order. Regardless, all Employer job orders can be posted at regional American Job Centers.

Employers can be provided with access to the most recent Labor Market Data and Trends for the region and State that details “high demand” occupations and jobs.

“Rapid Response” is a process that provides information and services to Employers experiencing job loss or closure. The Rapid Response Dislocated Worker Program responds to company layoffs and closures by promoting early intervention and providing transition services to affected Employers, affected employees, unions, if applicable, companies, and local communities.