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On-The-Job Training Program
Training a Better Workforce
On-the-Job Training Program (OJT) is a federally funded program that helps employers hire and train workers for full-time, long term employment. Full-time employment is considered 32 hours per week.Through OJT programs, employers may be reimbursed up to 50 percent of the wages earned by eligible new trainees while they learn the job. This funding compensates you for training workers in skills they need to help your business thrive.

The goal is to place participants into in-demand occupations that will enhance their prospects for long-term employment while meeting needs of the employer. OJT involves the acquisition of specific skills and employment competencies, through exposure in an actual work setting, to the processes, work tasks, tools and methods of a specific job or group of jobs.  PLEASE NOTE:  The OJT needs to be in place BEFORE the employee’s first day of employment.  

Employer Benefits
  • Hands-on training done your way
  • An investment in your company
  • Minimal paperwork with a fast turn-around
  • Monthly reimbursement up to 50% of trainee's hourly wage
  • Employer makes all hiring decisions
  • Quick approval time
How to Get Started
An OJT agreement must be developed before new employees are hired. Funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Total reimbursement cannot exceed $9,000, and the length of the training period cannot exceed six months.
1
Register Your Company
You must register your company as a potential OJT employer before an employee can begin working. See below for links to the appropriate paperwork (If your company has participated in an OJT before, please skip to Step 2)
2
Recruit Your Employee
Employers can self-recruit or utilize our free recruiting services. Once selected, notify our office by emailing the OJT screening sheet with the candidate's contact information. We will follow up with your candidate immediately so that we can notify you if the person is eligible.
3
Enroll Your Approved Employee
Once you are notified that your employee is eligible, we will work with you to create the OJT Agreement and Training Plan to begin the enrollment process for your employee. We just need to get your signature along with the employee... and we can get this finished immediately.
4
Begin Training & Get Paid
Once the OJT application is approved, begin training your new hire "on-the-job" and submit your monthly invoices for reimbursement of the allotted training funds!

Things to keep in mind

  • Employers must have the OJT paperwork in place before the employee’s first day of work.
  • Employers must offer the same treatment and compensation for workers in OJT as workers in the same or similar positions
  • Employers must not have laid off workers from the same/similar positions, and may not use OJT to displace current workers or reduce their hours, wages or benefits

Employer forms to complete:

Employer Information
General information needed.
Affidavit in Compliance
Ensures there is no conflict of interest.
Employer Guidelines
Employer can complete or email employee handbook to omjallen@jfs.ohio.gov if it covers the areas on the form.
Assurances
Review form and sign.
W-9
Needs completed so that the County can submit payment to the employer.
OJT Screening Sheet
Have candidate fill out and email to us after you have made offer to candidate.