Federally funded program helps bring new hires up to speed
Second in a three-part series
Today's business headlines offer a steady stream of reports about how the low unemployment rate has companies vying for qualified candidates.
But both local officials and Butler County residents like Jackie Shorts will tell you: downsizing is still real, and qualified job seekers are still pounding the pavement.
For Shorts, a key to finding her new job as an office administrator for Martin Sales and Service, was cooperation with Career T.R.A.C.K. (Training, Resources and Career Knowledge) and participation in the On The Job training (OTJ) program.
Federally funded, OTJ pays 50 percent of hourly wages for a qualified hire during his or her training period.
The Butler County leg of the program, receiving its funds through the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board, offers up to $10,000 per employee.
Kim Anthony, case manager at Career T.R.A.C.K., describes the OTJ program as an “enticement tool” for work force retraining.
“The goal of OTJ is to provide knowledge or skills essential to the full performance of the job,” Anthony said.
In order to be eligible, potential employees must be collecting unemployment compensation or have exhausted their claim while remaining unemployed.
The funding is limited to a duration deemed appropriate to the occupation. Anthony said the reimbursement amount is based on the job complexity and the applicant skill level.In many cases Anthony has been involved with, job eligibility was between four and six months. The program is open only to jobs that pay a minimum hourly wage of $10.88. And employers are responsible for the employee's full paycheck when the program ends.Interested companies enter an agreement that specifies the duration of the funding and five competencies the new hire will learn on the job. Career T.R.A.C.K. officials do a pre-site visit and assess the job title and specific vocational preparation.“OJT provides incentives to employers to hire unemployed participants and invest in their skill development. The trainees can earn as they learn,” Anthony said.Paul Weifenbaugh, vice president of operations at Career T.R.A.C.K., said applicants are vetted to “be sure they're able to handle the duties and responsibilities.” At the same time, Weifenbaugh said, the applicant must demonstrate “a skills gap … a need for the skill training.”
During the program funding period, a Career T.R.A.C.K. caseworker will visit to make sure the employer and employee are a good fit. “Other than that, we try to stay out of it,” Anthony said. “It's their employee.”Career T.R.A.C.K. is willing to refer qualified candidates to interested employers, Anthony said. “Or they can refer eligible applicants to us. But they must call us before the applicant is hired, so we can enroll the participant and develop a training outline.”Weifenbaugh said, “This is an opportunity for employers to offset the costs of onboarding an employee.”Traditionally, Anthony said, the program has worked best when the job seeker introduces the idea during an interview, and mentions that he or she is eligible.“This little piece of paper (qualification for the program), I believe, gives job seekers strength in their spine when they're interviewing,” Anthony said. “And the employers know that because they brought this to the table, they have a true interest in that job.”
Adam Martin, owner of Martin Sales and Service, said he first learned about the program while interviewing applicants for a service job. A candidate brought it to his attention.“This wasn't the deciding factor of why I chose him,” Martin said. “But it was a nice bonus to get that. The time you spend in training is expensive, and this program takes the burden off a company my size.”Martin Sales and Service, a Center Township fireplace, poly lumber furniture and grill specialty retailer, employs about nine people.Martin hired the candidate last December, and continues to employ him now that the funding has expired. It was a great fit, he said.So when Martin was hiring again, this time for an office administrator, he asked his top candidate if she would participate.That implied getting approval from Career T.R.A.C.K., and Martin said he found it reassuring that the candidate of his choice already met eligibility requirements and was dedicated enough to the job to go through the process.“I know I'm getting a qualified applicant because of this program. Not only do they have the right skill level but they put the extra effort in to go through the program,” Martin said. “This sends the message that someone is truly interested in staying here.”Now in it's fifth year, OTJ is partially funding 10 employees at nine Butler County companies.“I'm not sure why more companies aren't getting involved. They may be afraid of red tape. And possibly this is one of those instances where the program seems too good to be true,” Anthony said. “But it really is what it says it is.”To read more articles in Butler County Business Matters call 724-282-8000
