In addition to being a valuable retention tool, On-the-Job training benefits both business and employee. Investing in your employees shows them you value them and want them to succeed. Not only do employees feel appreciated and part of the team, but it can also contribute to increased job satisfaction and morale, employee motivation, efficiencies in processes, and the capacity to adopt new technologies and methods.
On-the-job training can expand an employee’s skill set or build on the expertise they already have. WSW’s grant lets you decide what training meets the needs of your business.
This summer we will be awarding training grants to 10 companies in the amount of up to $10,000 per company.
If you are hiring new employees for in-demand jobs, we encourage you to apply for our On-the-Job Training (OJT) program through this competitive application process.
What is OJT? OJT is intended to financially support businesses that are hiring and training new employees by reimbursing 50 percent of each eligible new hire’s wages (up to $5,000 per new hire) for the first six months while they are in training.
What makes your business a good candidate for On-the-Job Training?
- Your business has clear internal career pathways for new hires
- Earnings are competitive or above the market average and full benefits are available
- Positions have low turnover
- Your team has the capacity and desire to mentor and guide new employees
- You have a job description and clear learning goals and timelines for the employee’s first 90 to 180 days
- The work environment requires a level of learning to occur on the job
Funding priority will be given to businesses that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Woman- or minority-owned
- Offer family-friendly benefits (examples – flexible work schedules, remote or hybrid work opportunities, childcare supports or resources, affinity groups, etc.) to regular full-time employees
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Demonstrate a safe and respectful workplace for all employees
- Offer stable and predictable work schedules
Applications for this opportunity are now closed. Be on the look out for upcoming opportunities!
As the Local Workforce Development Board for Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) makes critical investments in employment and training programs to help businesses recover and grow. Through our public-private partnerships, businesses receive services to help them hire new workers or improve the skills of their existing workforce.
