WORKFORCE WIRE – Get Paid to Train Your Employees? Yes, Really.

For many small and mid-sized businesses across Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties, training new hires can feel like an expensive leap of faith. You invest time and resources in someone who might not stay long enough to make that investment worthwhile. But what if you could offset those costs? Through the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, your business can get reimbursed for a portion of a new hire’s wages while they learn the ropes. It’s not a gimmick; it’s a federally funded incentive available locally through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program.

How On-the-Job Training Works

The concept is simple: your business hires a qualified candidate, provides structured training at your worksite, and receives reimbursement for part of the wages paid during the training period. The program is designed for positions that require skills learned best through hands-on experience rather than classroom instruction. It allows new employees to earn while they learn, and it helps businesses build their workforce with reduced financial risk.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Identify a Training Need: If you have a position that requires specialized skills or practical learning, OJT might be a fit.
2. Partner with Your Local Workforce Office: Your business works with the American Job Center (https://theamericanjobcenter.org/) to determine eligibility and structure the training plan.
3. Hire and Train: You select your candidate from a qualified pool of job seekers referred by the workforce center. The new hire is onboarded as your regular employee, and training begins immediately.
4. Get Reimbursed: Throughout the training period, your business submits payroll documentation, and reimbursement is provided based on an agreed percentage of wages.

Reimbursement Rates and Eligibility

Reimbursement rates vary depending on the size of your business. According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s WIOA policy, OJT reimbursement typically covers:

• Up to 50% of wages for large businesses
• Up to 75% of wages for small and medium-sized businesses

The reimbursement covers the period necessary for the trainee to reach full productivity, typically ranging from a few weeks to six months, depending on job complexity.

To qualify, your business must:

• Have a legitimate need for training that cannot be filled through current staff.
• Offer full-time employment (at least 30 hours per week).
• Pay wages that meet local labor standards.
• Be financially stable and compliant with labor and safety regulations.

Participants must also meet WIOA eligibility guidelines, often including job seekers who are unemployed, underemployed, or in need of new skills to secure stable employment. The local workforce team handles these assessments so that your business can focus on finding the right fit.

For more information on the benefits of OJT and other training programs, see CareerOneStop’s On-the-Job Training Overview.

Why Businesses Are Using OJT

For business owners, the biggest benefit is reducing the financial burden of hiring and training. Rather than waiting for the perfect candidate to appear, you can hire someone with potential and teach them exactly what you need. This flexibility helps build loyalty, boosts retention, and strengthens your pipeline of skilled workers.

Beyond the reimbursement, OJT connects your business to local workforce professionals who can assist with recruitment, screening, and other services. It’s a partnership designed to help both businesses and workers thrive.

(Fictional Story)

When Rachel T. opened her machining company in Henry County, she struggled to find workers who could operate her specialized equipment. Most applicants had only basic technical experience. Through the American Job Center, Rachel enrolled in the OJT program. She hired Mark L., a former factory worker eager to learn CNC operations. Over six months, Rachel trained Mark on her shop floor while receiving a wage reimbursement during his learning period. Mark is now her lead machinist, and Rachel has expanded her production line. The program turned what could have been a costly gamble into a sustainable investment.

Next Steps

If your business is ready to train and grow, OJT can make it financially feasible. Visit theamericanjobcenter.org or contact your nearest American Job Center in Rock Island, Henry, or Mercer County to learn more about how On-the-Job Training can work for you.

For Illinois-specific information about workforce programs and statistics, review the Illinois WIOA Unified Plan.