IWT helps businesses to avoid layoffs, downsizing or closures by providing an opportunity to work with current employees who need to improve their skills. Hands-on training designed by the business. A payment to offset training costs. An opportunity to train employees your way. An investment in your company.

Interested businesses must meet certain criteria to participate. Businesses must be associated with a targeted industry, which is defined locally. Your local Business Service Team (BST) representatives can assist the business in determining if its industry qualifies under local guidelines as an eligible target industry.

We help you design a training plan that meets your needs.

You get reimbursed for up to 50% or more of the costs of training during the IWT period.

If the business has been assessed as meeting the target industry criteria, the next step is to determine if it meets any layoff aversion “at-risk indicators”. The business must show that jobs may be retained if current workers obtain in-demand skills. Key indicators include:

• Declining sales
• Supply chain issues
• Adverse industry/market trends
• Changes in management philosophy or ownership    
• Worker does not have In-Demand skills

Application to apply for the Incumbent Worker Training Grant

On-the-Job Training (OJT) can assist employers who are looking to expand their businesses and assist applicants to address their skill gaps. OJT is a “hire-first” program in which the employer enters into an agreement with McHenry County Workforce Network to hire, train, and retain a job seeker upon successful completion of the training program. Employers that participate in the OJT program may receive up to 75% reimbursement of the trainee’s wage rate.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, to succeed in the labor market and to provide employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Federal grant funds from WIOA fund training programs such as an OJT.

OJT provides employers with a customized plan in which new employees gain specific skills and competencies. This is accomplished through exposure in an actual work setting to the processes, work tasks, tools and methods of a specific job or group of jobs.

• We assist employers with matching applicants with job openings.
• We aid with the design of a training plan that meets your business needs.
• Your business may receive up to 75% reimbursement of the wage rate.

1. Our office can pre-qualify applicants and refer them to you, or you send us applicants for OJT screening.
2. Applicants need to be determined eligible for WIOA OJT services prior to starting work. A pre-screening application will help determine eligibility.
3. Applicants will meet will Business Service staff for a skills assessment and to complete WIOA paperwork.
4. Business Service staff in consultation with the job seeker and employer, will develop on OJT training plan.
5. The employer will be contacted when all required elements of the program have been completed and to complete OJT agreement.
6. The applicant is then ready to start their OJT. The employer should contact the applicant to confirm their start date, hours, and all other pertinent information.

• Reducing your employee turnover
• Investment in your company and employees
• Hands-on training
• Payment to offset training costs
• Opportunity to train employees your way
• Funds available for additional education
• Workforce Network staff support to ensure the success and retention of the OJT employee

Apprenticeship training is for more than just construction careers. Education, Hospitality, Finance & Insurance, and Manufacturing are just some of the industries where Apprenticeships are being used.  Does your company have openings for skilled employees? Contact us to see if the Apprenticeship model would work for you.

• An Apprenticeship is structured occupational training program that combines on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction in which workers learn the practical and conceptual skills required for a skilled occupation, craft or trade.
• Apprenticeships are a strategic approach for human resource professionals to create a pipeline of skilled workers.
• Apprenticeship OJT and related instruction may be eligible for reimbursement through Workforce Development Programs and Grants.