Customized Training Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is customized training and how long does it last?
2) Who is eligible to apply for customized training funding?
3) How can I apply for customized training funding?
4) Which kind of customized training program can be funded?
5) What methods of customized methods are allowable?
6) How much will I be reimbursed for participating in customized training?
7) Which customized training costs are reimbursable?
8) After the period of customized training is complete, when can I expect reimbursement?
9) How many employees can I train with customized training funds?
10) What happens if the trainee fails to complete the training, or is fired or quits?
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What is customized training and how long does it last?
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Customized training is training designed to meet the special requirements of an employer or group of employers. They can be considered when available training programs and/or curricula do not meet the specific training requirements of the employer. The main objective of a customized training program is to provide structured training for employees to gain the knowledge and skills to become competent in the job for which they have been hired and/or to obtain stable employment.
The length of customized training varies in duration depending on the period generally required for acquisition of skills, the content of the training, and the prior work experience and occupational goals of the trainee; however, training may not exceed 12 months.
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Who is eligible to apply for customized training funding?
You are eligible to apply for customized training funding if you:
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Will commit to hire trainees upon completion of the customized training contract
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Can, in good faith, agree to increase trainees’ wages and/or offer them advancement opportunities upon successful completion of customized training
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Can contribute at least 50% of the cost of customized training
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Are within the private for-profit sector, the nonprofit sector, or the public sector, preferable within high-priority industries
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Have business operations and job sites located in Nassau County, Suffolk County and New York City
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Have two or more employees (owners of businesses not included)
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Have not relocated if such relocation results in the loss of employment for any employee of the company at the original location
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How can I apply for customized training funding?
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To apply for customized training, you must complete the Customized Training Funding Application here.
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Which kind of customized training program can be funded?
Customized training programs that can be funded include training that relates to the introduction of new technologies, new production or service procedures, upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills, and workplace literacy. In addition, the training must relate to a demand occupation and align with industry or employer-recognized skill standards.
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What methods of customized methods are allowable?
Customized training methods include, but are not limited to:
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Classroom training through a traditional classroom setting with a group of trainees and a qualified instructor
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Laboratory training with hands-on instruction or skill acquisition under direct guidance of a qualified training
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Electronic or computer-based training delivered through a computer program at a pace set by the trainee or through video conference that is live, interactive instruction with a trainer
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Other training that is customized to the employers’ specific training needs
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How much will I be reimbursed for participating in customized training?
Employers must pay at least 50% of the cost of customized training; however, the contribution to the cost of training is based on:
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The size of the employer’s workforce
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Wage and benefit level of the employer’s workforce (at present and anticipated upon completion of the training)
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relation of the training to the competitiveness of a participant
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any other employer-provided training and advancement opportunities
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Which customized training costs are reimbursable?
Only costs directly related to customized training are eligible for reimbursement. This may include instructor’s training-related wages; curriculum development; textbooks, manuals, instructional materials, and supplies; examination fees for certifications/licenses; and other necessary and reasonable costs.
Costs that are not reimbursable to the employer include trainees’ wages and fringe benefits; purchase of training equipment; costs incurred prior to the approval date of the application and contract; administration fees; costs associated with the renovation of facilities; and costs, compensation or consultant fees not directly related to the provision of the customized training.
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After the period of customized training is complete, when can I expect reimbursement?
When the customized training is complete, the employer must maintain employment of the trainee for at least 45 days at which time HempsteadWorks will audit training expenses and the trainee’s attendance, payroll records, and any wage increase. Then, you will be reimbursed.
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How many employees can I train with customized training funds?
You can have up to 3 trainees each program year (July 1 to June 30).
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What happens if the trainee fails to complete the training, or is fired or quits?
If there is any interruption in completion of the customized training program, HempsteadWorks will reimburse the agreed upon contribution of training costs up until that point.
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