On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Learn more about how employers in Massachusetts can participate in the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program.

Through the OJT program, employers can be reimbursed for some of the costs of hiring and training new employees. OJT is funded through the federal Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

OJT requirements

OJT is a contractual obligation. Employers who participate in the program must:

• Provide pay and benefits to trainees that are equivalent to other employees doing similar work with similar experience.
• Treat trainees as employees, subject to your company’s policies.
• Provide continued employment for the trainee when the training is completed.
• Provide high-quality training at your company, on your equipment, and under your guidelines. The length of training will be determined by the job description and demonstrated participant skill gaps.
• Submit trainee evaluations and payroll records to a MassHire Career Center for wage reimbursement.

Eligibility

Any company or business with an opening for skilled work who haven’t been able to find qualified candidates may be eligible for OJT.

There are some restrictions:

• Your business may not be eligible if you relocated within the last 120 days
• If you conducted layoffs in the last 6 months:
  • You can’t use OJT funds to train new employees replacing the people who were recently laid off
  • You can use OJT funds to re-hire previous employees if they are being trained for a new position and meet specific OJT requirements

OJT benefits

The OJT program can help employers pay for the hiring and training of new employees. Benefits include:

• Reduced cost of hiring and training
• Pre-screened applications for your open positions
• Reimbursement for a percentage of wages during the training period (rate is based on the size of your business)

Plus, employees can earn as they learn while receiving coaching on the job.

Getting started with OJT

A MassHire Career Center can help you through each step of the OJT process.

To get started, contact a Career Center near you. After you contact us:

• We will meet with you at your business to learn more about your business, your eligibility for the OJT program, and your hiring needs.
• We can help you design a training plan that suits your needs.
• You can interview and hire any candidates through your regular hiring process.
• Our team can pre-screen candidates and refer them to you, but you don’t need to hire any referred candidates.

When trainees start working with you, you’ll need to:

• Submit payroll records and monthly evaluations to the Career Center so you can be reimbursed.
• Provide permanent employment to trainees after they complete their training.

Find a Career Center near you