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Strategies for Implementing OJT Simply and Effectively

This guide addresses key misconceptions of on-the-job training (OJT) and provides specific implementation tactics used by local workforce areas.

October 10, 2018

At a Glance

This guide addresses key misconceptions of on-the-job training (OJT) and provides specific implementation tactics used by local workforce areas.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) can be an extremely effective strategy for helping businesses ensure that they have workers with the specific skills and competencies needed to meet their production and service needs. However, businesses and public workforce systems are concerned that OJT is complex in administration and implementation, hampering uptake.

This guide addresses these and other key misconceptions and provides specific tactics that local workforce areas are using to implement OJT.

“Having a better understanding of OJT can lead to more effective utilization of OJT, enhanced business engagement, and ultimately stronger outcomes for both businesses and clients.”

Note: Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), there are additional work-based training options and flexibilities for adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Work-based training presents an opportunity for fostering increased employer engagement, implementation of sector strategies, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships, as these types of trainings allow employers to train their employees while their employees continue to be productive members of the workforce. OJT is one such work-based training for the Adult and Dislocated Worker programs.

WIOA expands the options for using OJT contracts to support apprenticeship and work-based learning strategies. In some cases, up to 75 percent of an apprentices’ wages may be reimbursed by the public workforce system if the worker is eligible for WIOA support and if employers meet certain requirements. State and local workforce agencies can work with the employers or other local apprenticeship programs and sponsors to develop OJT contracts to support apprentices’ on-the-job learning. OJT contracts can only be used to reimburse employers for wages for on-the-job experience and cannot be used for the related training and instruction.

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