PA CareerLink: Understanding Our On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program

Preparing Workers for the Future

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary federal legislation that supports workforce development, employment services, and training programs across the United States. Among its various training strategies, On-the-Job Training (OJT) stands out as a highly practical, employer-driven approach to preparing workers for in-demand occupations while helping businesses meet their talent needs.

What Is On-the-Job Training?

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a WIOA-supported program that provides hands-on, workplace-based training for eligible job seekers. Unlike classroom training, OJT places participants directly with an employer who teaches them the skills needed to perform a specific job. This “learn while doing” model helps individuals build relevant skills quickly while earning wages.

Simultaneously, OJT helps employers reduce the financial risk of hiring and training new workers. WIOA reimburses employers for part of the trainee’s wages during the training period as compensation for the time and resources spent on training.

Key Features of WIOA OJT

1. Employer Reimbursement

Employers who hire and train workers through OJT can receive wage reimbursements, typically ranging from up to 50% of the participant’s wages during the training period. This reimbursement helps offset the cost of:

Training the new employee
Reduced productivity as the worker learns
Additional supervision needs

2. Customized Training Based on Employer Needs

OJT is highly flexible. Training plans are tailored to the exact skills required for the job and the employer’s operations. This ensures that:

Participants learn practical, job-specific skills
Training aligns with real workplace requirements
Employers gain workers trained precisely for their needs

3. Paid Employment from Day One

OJT participants are full employees from the start of the training period. They earn wages, gain work experience, and receive ongoing supervision as they build their skills.

4. Targeted to Eligible Job Seekers

OJT under WIOA is designed to assist job seekers who need additional skills to secure employment, including:

Unemployed or underemployed adults
Dislocated workers (workers who lost jobs through layoffs or closures)
Eligible youth and young adults

Local workforce development boards determine eligibility and help match participants with appropriate employers.

5. Structured Training Plans and Contracts

Every OJT arrangement requires:

A written training plan describing the required skills and competencies
A contract between the employer and the workforce development agency
Defined start and end dates, based on the complexity of the job
Progressive skill acquisition milestones

This structure ensures clarity, transparency, and accountability for both the employer and the trainee.

Benefits of OJT for Employers

Reduced hiring risk through wage reimbursements
Access to a pipeline of pre-screened candidates
Training tailored to business operations
Support with recruitment and paperwork from workforce staff
Increased retention — candidates trained on-site often stay longer

Employers of all sizes can participate, though small businesses particularly benefit from customized support.

Benefits of OJT for Job Seekers

Immediate employment with wages
Hands-on training in a real work environment
Opportunity to gain industry-recognized or job-specific skills
Better long-term employment prospects
Continued support from workforce professionals

For many participants, OJT acts as a bridge to stable, long-term careers in fields where employers are actively hiring.

Types of Jobs Supported by OJT

OJT is suitable for positions where the required skills can be learned through practical, supervised training within a reasonable time. Common industries include:

Manufacturing
Logistics and distribution
Healthcare
Construction and skilled trades
Information technology
Hospitality
Business and administrative roles

Local workforce agencies determine which occupations are in demand and appropriate for OJT funding.

How an Employer Can Participate

Employers typically work with their local PA CareerLink® office:

Contact your local PA CareerLink® office
Identify job openings, training needs, and post job opening on the PA CareerLink® website
Develop a training plan with workforce staff
Sign an OJT agreement
Hire an eligible candidate
Provide training and submit payroll documentation for reimbursement

PA CareerLink® staff guide employers through the process at no cost.

How Job Seekers Get Involved

Job seekers interested in OJT can:

Visit their local PA CareerLink® office
Complete eligibility screening
Meet with a Career Advisor to discuss employment goals
Get matched to an employer offering OJT
Begin paid employment and training

The WIOA On-the-Job Training program is a strategic tool that simultaneously empowers job seekers and supports the talent needs of employers. By creating opportunities for paid, hands-on learning in real work environments, OJT bridges skill gaps, accelerates employment, and strengthens the workforce landscape across the country.

Ready to Invest in Your Team’s Future?

The PA CareerLink® is here to support employers and employees across Luzerne and Schuylkill counties in their upskilling efforts. For more information or to get started, contact your local PA CareerLink® office today.