Employer-Specific Training
Provided by WIA, ADECA and the AWIB
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On August 7, 1998, Congress passed the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). WIA Regulations along with subsequent Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Workforce Development Division (WDD) and Alabama Workforce Investment Area (AWIA) policies are the regulatory provisions for conducting Employer-Specific Training activities. The following training programs for the benefit of the private sector (and, in some cases for the public sector) have been approved by the Alabama Workforce Investment Board:

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

The goal of the OJT program is to place participants in occupations that will enhance their prospects for long-term employment and will ultimately permit them to become self-sufficient. OJT is designed to provide training to individuals who are unskilled or lack adequate job skills and is consistent with their career choice. It can be administered on an individual or group basis and specific to an employer’s needs. OJT should be in high demand/high wage occupations which include those for which an employer has expressed a commitment to hire. OJT participants must be paid at the same wage as other entry-level employees in the same occupation. The minimum wage for OJT participants is $7.00 per hour.

OJT may be used to upgrade current employee’s skills (see Customized Training information below) or to provide an opportunity for training to individuals seeking employment in occupations requiring state licensure.

OJT Trainee Eligibility

In order to meet WIA eligibility requirements for OJT, potential trainees must be identified as economically disadvantaged or as dislocated workers. To determine whether an individual is economically disadvantaged, an individual must provide proof of household income for the 26 weeks (6months) prior to registration with WIA. Household income cannot exceed established amounts by WIA. A dislocated worker is defined as being unemployed due to a plant/business closure, lay off or downsizing. These individuals are eligible for WIA training services regardless of previous income levels.

Incumbent Worker Training

The Incumbent Worker Training Program is designed to benefit businesses and industries by assisting in the skills development of existing workers and thus increasing employee productivity and encouraging the permanency and growth of the State’s companies. Click here for more information.

Customized Training

Customized Training is specialized training designed to meet the needs of employers and employees and could be delivered through a variety of training methods such as OJT, Individual Training Accounts, Classroom Training, or other means appropriate to the employer. Customized Training may be used either for new hires or for current employees requiring advanced skills training. Either the employer or another training agency may conduct training. All trainees, whether new hires or employed workers, must be determined to be in need of training services and must meet WIA eligibility criteria. The process for Customized Training is very similar to OJT; however, reimbursement is provided for only participants completing the training.

For further information on any of the above training programs, please contact: