On-the-Job Training
The goal of the Chamber's On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program is to provide training, based on individual assessment and focus the development of a career path that meets the business’ needs while resulting in long-term, permanent employment for the trainee.
The On-the-Job Training model has proven to be successful model for increasing the skills of workers. This program allows training for both new employees and training for employed workers who are learning new skills and may be considered for a wage increase.
The Chamber OJT program provides support to local businesses as they address their training needs. While the OJT should be specific to the employer, it should also encompass the development of skills that are transferable to other work settings and the skills mastered must be comparable to those described by the training outline’s occupational code.
The Chamber is proud to deliver this benefit to our community and the program will run through October 31, 2009. We would also like to thank Broome-Tioga Workforce NY for their assistance as well as their enthusiasm to partner with the Chamber on this program and others in the future to aid in developing a stronger workforce for our local employers.
Employers are urged to take advantage of this wonderful program. Businesses that participate with the OJT will receive reimbursement for the employees, both new and current, that receive training.
To inquire about the program or to find out if your company qualifies to participate in this OJT program, please contact Amy Shaw at (607) 772-8863 x313 or ashaw@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com .
“The OJT Program is a wonderful program that allows a small business to gain assistance with training monies, which then allows more opportunities for additional employees in a company. We have been very successful with this program and I feel we are very fortunate to have it available in our community. It is a win- win for all! Thank You OJT!” Connie Gault, General Manager Gault Toyota
On-the-Job Training Criteria
OJT is defined as training by an employer that is provided to a paid participant while engaged in productive work that:
1. provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job
2. provides reimbursement to the employer of up to 50% of the wage rate of the participant, for the extraordinary costs of providing the training and additional supervision related to the training
3. is limited to the period of time required for a participant to become proficient in the occupation for which the training is being provided.
On-the-Job Training for an already employed worker is designed to:
1. meet the definition of OJT
2. provide training geared toward career advancement by increasing skills
3. increase wages bringing the worker closer to self-sufficiency.
In the case of OJT for employed workers, the employer will identify a potential OJT candidate. The employed individual has already demonstrated the capacity to learn new skills and be successful on the job.
When providing OJT for an employed worker, the training program should provide skills upgrading. OJT for employed workers should provide the trainee with career advancement or an increase in wages.
An eligible participant to be trained is one who:
1. is 18 years old
2. has the legal right to work in the United States.
Eligible training includes:
1. training for permanent (35 hours minimum), long-term jobs
2. skills for a new job
3. upgrading employee skills while assisting business in meeting its workforce needs
Seasonal employment or employment based on the addition of commission or tips to a base wage may not be considered for this OJT program.
The number of hours in a standard work week for OJT training must be at least 35 hours but not more than 40 hours.
Hours for which overtime is paid shall not be considered a part of the standard work week. Holidays, vacation, sick time and time spent off the job are not training hours and should not be included in the contract.
A Chamber of Commerce OJT contract may not be written in situations where the trainee in placed in a “temporary to permanent” or “temp to hire” position. The trainee must be a full-time, permanent employee of the employer while receiving training.
Temporary employment agencies and staff leasing organizations are not eligible to participate in this program.
Employers that are in violation of any local, state or federal law, that are experiencing abnormal labor conditions such as a strike, or that have laid off workers or reduced hours may not participate in the OJT program.
Broome-Tioga Workforce NY will assist the Chamber in the screening and assessment of trainees for the OJT Program as well as providing additional assistance with program development and marketing.
