Resources for Employers

WIOA RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

What is OJT?

• OJT provides reimbursements to employers to help compensate for the costs associated with skills upgrade training and loss of production for newly hired employees. OJT training can assist employers who are looking to expand their businesses and who need additional staff trained with job specific skills. OJT employers may receive up to 50% of the wage rate of OJT trainees to help defray personnel training costs.

How does OJT benefit my company?

• Employers can be provided with a selection of pre-screened applicants for the available positions at no cost, and the employer will decide who to hire. This is a great opportunity to bring on employees that are eager to learn new skills. New OJT employees will receive hands on training that the employer designs, and the employer will receive partial reimbursement of trainee wages to offset training costs. Also, OJT staff will assist the employer through all phases of the OJT and provide on-going support to help the hired trainee succeed.

Who is eligible for OJT?

• Employers that are interested in hiring unemployed and underemployed adults who meet the eligibility guidelines outlined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grant. Those eligibility guideline include, but are not limited to, the participant being 18 years of age or older, a citizen or non-citizen authorized to work in the US,  and meeting military selective service registration requirements. Definitions for unemployed and underemployed adults can be found in the Workforce Division’s Policies and Procedures Guide (see Technical Assistance page). Companies may also be required to  show that they have not had any recent lay-offs.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT)

What is IWT?

• IWT provides funding assistance to qualifying companies to provide skills training or upgrading to full-time, permanent employees.

How does IWT benefit my company?

• Companies will receive the funding assistance needed to meet the demands of the rapidly changing economy, and the employees will receive the training necessary to upgrade present work skills, heighten job security, provide marketable skills, and increase the possibilities for higher wages and promotional opportunities.

Who is eligible for IWT?

• A company is eligible for IWT when the training is a business necessity that will help ensure the permanency (layoff aversion) of businesses in Georgia. See the Layoff Aversion section of the Workforce Division’s Policies and Procedures Guide (see Technical Assistance page).

Customized Training (CT)

What is CT?

• Customized training is designed to meet the special requirements of an employer or group of employers. CT can assist by providing a 50% reimbursement of the training cost associated with a potential new hire. This reimbursement compensates for the employer’s extraordinary costs of training that individual. Common types of training are introduction to new technologies, production or service procedures, and upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills and workplace literacy. CT is designed primarily for the potential new hire who does not have the related education, training, or work experience required for the job.

How does CT benefit my company?

• CT may be provided in various occupational areas and often lowers the employer’s risks in hiring and training new personnel. Employers can be provided with a selection of pre-screened applicants for the available positions at no cost and the employer will decide who to hire. This is a great opportunity to bring on employees that are eager to learn new skills. CT enrollees will receive training that the employer designs, and the employer will receive partial reimbursement of the training costs. Also, CT staff will assist the employer through all phases of the CT and provide on-going support to help the hired trainee succeed.

Who is eligible for CT?

• Companies that are interested in hiring unemployed and underemployed adults who meet the eligibility guidelines outlined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grant. Those eligibility guideline include, but are not limited to the participant being 18 years of age or older, a citizen or non-citizen authorized to work in the US,  and meeting military selective service registration requirements. Definitions for unemployed and underemployed adults can be found in the Workforce Division’s Policies and Procedures Guide (see Technical Assistance page). Companies may also be required to  show that they have not had any recent lay-offs.

Layoff Aversion

What is Layoff Aversion?

• Layoff Aversion may include a number of strategies and resources which may mitigate the impact of a potential layoff. Through tactics such as pre-feasibility studies, IWT, or other intervention strategies, the risk of separations can be significantly reduced. The earlier layoff aversion strategies are considered, the greater the opportunity for successful strategies.

How does Layoff Aversion benefit my company?

• Employers which may be at risk of separating part or all of their workforce can take advantage of resources to retain their employees. In particular, if a layoff is a result of retooling or upgrading of equipment, layoff aversion strategies can help upgrade the skills of the current workforce and reduce the cost of replacing those employees. These strategies can help companies invest in their workforce, increase production levels, and reduce administrative costs associated with turnover.

Who is eligible for Layoff Aversion?

• A company may be eligible for layoff aversion if they show signs that they are at risk of a dislocation event. Such signs may include previous layoffs, reductions in production, declines in industry production, or other adverse conditions. A company must also satisfy other requirements such as an established presence in Georgia and be current on all tax obligations. For more information, see the Layoff Aversion section of the Workforce Division’s Policies and Procedures Guide (see Technical Assistance page).

Who should I contact?

Contact your Local Workforce Investment Area (LWIA). Click the link to retrieve their contact information.