On-the-Job Training (OJT) Frequently Asked Questions
OJT provides for reimbursements to businesses to help compensate for the costs associated with skills upgrading and loss of production for the training of newly hired employees.
1) What is an OJT and how long does it last?
2) Who is eligible to apply for an OJT program?
3) How can I apply for OJT funding?
4) How much will I be reimbursed for participating in OJT?
5) Is the cost of overtime, PTO, holidays, etc. reimbursable?
6) After the period of OJT is complete, when can I expect reimbursement?
7) How many OJT trainees can I hire?
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What is an OJT and how long does it last?
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An On-the-Job Training (OJT) program is training by an employer that is provided to a paid participant while engaged in productive work in a job that provides knowledge and/or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job and provides reimbursement to the employer for the costs associate with training the OJT trainee.
OJTs vary 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, OJTs may not exceed 6 months.
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Who is eligible to apply for an OJT program?
You are eligible to apply for an OJT program if you:
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Will commit to hire the OJT trainee upon completion of the OJT contract
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Are within the private for-profit sector, the non-profit sector, or the public sector, preferable within high-priority industries
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Have business operations and jobsites 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 theï‚· company at the original location
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How can I apply for OJT funding?
To apply for OJT funding, you must complete a Pre-Aware Review Application, a Responsibility Questionnaire, and a job description of the OJT position. You must also submit a Certificate of Disability Benefits Insurance and a Certificate of Workers’ Compensation.
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How much will I be reimbursed for participating in OJT?
You will be reimbursed 50 to 75% of the OJT trainees’ wages, with a cap at $10,000.
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Is the cost pf overtime, PTO, holidays, etc. reimbursable?
No. You will only be reimbursed for the hours that the participant is on the job and in training and
for job-related instruction
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After the period of OJT is complete, when can I expect reimbursement?
After the OJT period is complete, the employer must maintain employment of the OJT trainee for at
least 45 days at which time HempsteadWorks will audit the trainee’s attendance and payroll
records. Then, you will be reimbursed.
Revised July 2023
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How many OJT trainees can I hire?
You can hire up to 3 OJT trainees each program year (July 1 to June 30).
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How much can an OJT trainee earn hourly?
An OJT trainee may earn up to $25 an hour.
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What happens if the OJT trainee quits or is fired?
If the OJT trainee quits or is fired, you will be reimbursed the contracted amount up until the
trainee’s last day of work.
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