On-the-Job Training

WorkSource-supported On-the-Job Training (OJT) agreements can help local businesses train and retain skilled, productive workers. As part of the American Job Centers Network companies can use OJTs to train promising job candidates who don’t have all the skills a position requires and to fill positions that require unique skill sets. For qualifying positions, an OJT contract provides employers in the Coastal Region a great, cost-effective way to develop talent.

How OJTs Work:

A WorkSource Coastal Representative works with a business to identify its recruitment and HR needs. When an OJT opportunity is identified, the Business Services Rep (BSR) develops a position description stating what skills and experience a job candidate must have to qualify for the OJT.

1. Recruitment

Once listed, the BSR will start searching the WorkSource database to recruit candidates that qualify for the OJT position.

2. An OJT training plan is developed for the new employee

When the business chooses a candidate, a training plan is developed with specific goals to be achieved during a specified time period. The training period can last up to six months, depending on the expected time it takes for a trainee to achieve a satisfactory level of job competency.

3. WorkSource reimburses for the training investment

To offset the cost of training, WorkSource reimburses companies for their training investment at 50% of wages paid to the new hire during the training period. The average reimbursement is $3,500, but specific reimbursements can be more or less. At the end of the training period, the business is reimbursed for half of the OJT commitment.

If the trainee does not meet the training goals, the business is not obligated to retain them.

On-the-Job Training Example

A business needs an employee who can operate a furnace to manufacture silicon ingots for solar power. Entry-level furnace operators are paid $12.50 an hour. If it is determined that it takes three months of on-the-job training for a candidate with a manufacturing background to reach the level of an entry-level furnace operator, the OJT could look like this:

Sample Training Goals:
  • Learn administrative or clerical procedures or systems
  • Learn and demonstrate production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques.
  • Ability to operate and understand furnace functions
  • Ability to operate business specific machinery, hardware or systems
  • Learn to define metrics for measurement, comparison or evaluation
  • Learn business and management principles specific to employer
OJT Training Period Duration: 3 months (13 weeks) OJT Wage: $12.50 an hour at 40 hours a week
Total reimbursement of $3,250 to employer at end of OJT training period (see breakdown below)
OJT End of Training Period Reimbursement: $1,625

  • Wages paid by employer during training period = $6,500
  • 50% of wages paid during training period = $3,250 (total OJT commitment)
Contact your nearest Business Services Representative for more information:

Connect With Us

Administrative Office

912-351-6379

Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh Counties

Danielle Riley

912-659-3555

danielle.riley@savannaha.gov

Business Services Representative

Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, and Long Counties

Janet Jones

912-658-8527

janet.jones@savannahga.gov

Business Services Representative

Bulloch, Effingham, and Screven Counties

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