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Annually, the Workforce Solutions Board of Directors reviews Workforce intelligence data to ensure the approved training programs meet business demand. Other criteria include whether occupations show growth and if the entry wage is at or above the Board’s Self Sufficiency Wage (currently $8.10/hour). If training programs for specific occupations meet these criteria, they may be included on the approved target occupation list.

Workforce Solutions reviews training provider applications to ensure training aligns to the Board’s Target Occupation List (client to provide list). If the training program aligns to this list, the program is included on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List.

Job seekers who are referred to these approved training providers by staff in the Workforce Centers are provided an Individual Training Account (ITA). Training costs are paid directly to the training provider by the Workforce Center contractor; actual amount paid to the training provider depends on the cost of the program,

If you are a job seeker interested in the ITA program, visit the Workforce Center nearest you, call 1-877-687-1121, or email jobs@wfsolutions.org.

Other training programs include On-the-Job Training (OJT), Subsidized Employment and Customized Training.

  • OJT is intended for job seekers who have work experience but may need retraining in a new occupation or industry. When an OJT match is identified between a job seeker and employer, a training plan is developed to ensure the job seeker and employer are aware of expectations on the job. The employer agrees to hire the job seeker and follow the training plan. The employer is reimbursed up to 50% of the training costs (including wages) during the training plan (not to exceed six months). Upon completion of the training, it is Workforce Solutions’ expectation that the employer will retain the job seeker. Expected wages to participate in this program are at the Workforce Solutions Self Sufficiency Wage ($8.10/hour) or higher.
  • Subsidized Employment is a special non-traditional training program. It is geared to individuals on public assistance, such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). Similar to OJT, the employer agrees to hire the job seeker. But unlike the OJT program, the job seeker may not have the work experience or skills that someone in an OJT program may have; therefore, the entry wage does not have to meet the self sufficiency wage requirement. The job seeker customer is hired using the employer’s hiring criteria and personnel policies. The employer is reimbursed 100% of the wages during the initial training period (not to exceed six months). The employer is expected to retain the job seeker customer upon completion of the training program.
  • Customized Training is similar to the OJT program in that the employer assumes 50% of the cost of the training program. Employers who have identified a need to train their current workforce or new hires in a new process, new machine or more universal competencies may submit a proposal to Workforce Solutions detailing the training program, including timeframe, training objectives, curriculum and budget. The Board of Directors reviews and approves customized training programs. Workforce Solutions will contract with the employer or its designated training provider. Workforce Solutions will reimburse the employer or the designated training provider up to 50% of the cost of the training.

For more information on OJT, Subsidized Employment or Customized Training, call 1-877-687-1121 or email obp@wfsolutions.org.