JFS offers new hire and employee retention programs
The Dept. of Job and Family Services offers two unique programs to get new workers the skills they need to embark on a career, as well as help companies retain experienced workers.
The Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services, in conjunction with OhioMeansJobs, offers two programs to local employers to help them hire qualified employees as well as retain experienced workers.
“We are doing two things,” said Workforce Program Administrator Bob Young. “First, we are helping employers build a workforce. Secondly, we are helping them further enhance existing workers’ skills. This is a win-win situation for the worker and the employee.”
Young and his co-workers have two programs at their disposal to help strengthen the local workforce.
The OJT program
The On-the-Job Training (OJT) program is a federally funded program that reimburses employers up to $13,000 to hire and train new employees.
“We will do everything we can to help the employee and employer lessen the financial burden of training in order to become employed,” Young said. “It provides workers with a handsome salary and a credential that can be taken anywhere upon completion. It is a college alternative.”
The goal of the OJT program is to place participants into in-demand occupations that will ultimately enhance their marketability for long-term employment. The program has a number of benefits for employers as well. They include:
—The employer maintains hiring decisions.
—Hands-on training directed by the employer to meet their specific needs.
—An investment of up to $13,000 per eligible employee.
—Minimal paperwork; fast turnaround time
—Monthly reimburse up to 50 percent of the trainees’ hourly wage of no less than $15 per hour.
Getting the OJT program implemented consists of only four steps. They are:
1. Register your business.
2. Recruit your employees.
3. Enroll your approved employees.
4. Begin training and get paid.
Once the employee completes the training, a business can expect to see increases in productivity, quality, efficiency, retention, and growth, while an employee can expect to earn a higher wage.
The IWT program
The Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program allows employers to retain experienced and valuable workers.
According to Employment Specialist Mallorie Crank, there are ways to help an individual with virtually any career path they choose.
“We can help with reimbursements for long-time employees,” she said. “We also help long-time employees enhance their skills through training.”
According to Crank, this is beneficial to businesses that prefer to develop their workforce and promote from within.
Together, these programs offer extraordinary opportunities to those looking to embark on a career and to those that have valuable experience.
To get started, interested businesses should contact an OhioMeansJobs Wayne County representative at WayneCoJobs@jfs.ohio.gov or phone at 330-264-5060.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for the Wayne County government.