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On-the-Job Training (OJT)
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The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the contract from the New York State Department of Labor (DoL) to offer On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants to businesses and organizations in our community. The On-the-Job Training (OJT) program operates on the premise that private sector employers provide the best training opportunities. Under this contract, training grants of up to $5,000 will be available to businesses that are either hiring a new employee or promoting a current employee to a new position. In both cases, the training grant will be used to provide the employee with the additional training needed in order to fulfill the increased job responsibilities.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OJT TO THE EMPLOYER?
OJT offers 50% salary reimbursement to the employer. The employer can be sure that employees are trained on company equipment, to company standards. This results in better quality products, better safety records, and, of course, better employee performance, loyalty and satisfaction.
WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF TRAINING FOR EACH OCCUPATION?
The length of training time allowed will depend on the skill level of the job to be performed, the needs of the employer, and the needs of the employee. Maximum contract length is six months. An OJT representative will assist the employer outline a training schedule and prepare a written job description of each occupation for which training will be provided. This may require the representative to observe the job being performed at the place of business.
HOW IS THE EMPLOYER REIMBURSED?
At the end of the contract period, the employer will be reimbursed for the extraordinary costs incurred for training and in consideration of costs associated with the initial lower productivity of the trainee. This is 50% of the gross wages being paid to the trainee. Reimbursement will be provided for trainees hired on or after the effective date of the contract. The OJT representative will discuss the specifics with the employer.
IS THERE A LOT OF PAPERWORK?
No. The employer is required to maintain normal attendance and payroll records. A monthly voucher is prepared and sent to the Tioga Chamber. Paperwork is kept to a minimum.
WHO MAY APPLY FOR AN OJT PROGRAM?
Any company, regardless of size, may apply for the OJT program if they can provide the following:
- OJT in a job of sufficient complexity to require a minimum training period of 4 weeks for eligible trainees
- Working hours equal to a minimum of thirty-five (35) hours per week
- A pay rate for adults of at least minimum wage. Current employees, who are being promoted, must receive a wage increase of at least $1/hour at the beginning of the contract period.
Please note that OJT cannot be funded after hiring takes place! A contract and training outline must be in place before you hire.
WHO SELECTS THE EMPLOYEE?
The employer decides what trainees will learn, sets the qualifications and selects the trainees from screened applicants. Most importantly, the employer retains all rights. If the trainees hired do not perform satisfactorily, the employer has no obligation to keep them.
WHERE CAN I CALL FOR AN OJT REPRESENTATIVE?
Employers seeking more information about the OJT program call Gwen Kania, President & CEO, Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, at 607-687-2020, or email Business@tiogachamber.com or Sheri McCall, Manager of the Tioga Career Center at 687-8504, or email McCallS@co.tioga.ny.us.