1. Trade Adjustment Assistance Program On-The-Job Training
Please silence your cell phones!

2. On-the-Job Training (OJT) Overview
OJT is a training program that is designed to allow you to learn new skills while earning wages with a new employer. The TAA program will reimburse up to 50% of your training wages to a suitable employer if they hire you as a trainee.
OJT is for a limited duration of time, based on the amount of training you will need in order to become proficient in all of your job duties.

3. Benefits of OJT Job-Seekers Employers Earn as you learn!!
Learn new skills in a hands-on teaching environment
Achieve wage and career advancement
Opportunity for long-term employment
Training is customized to the employer’s needs and specific to the skills required for the occupation
Employers gain productivity as trainees learn on the job
Reduced training costs

4. Key Things to Remember
As a hired employee, you will be provided with the same benefits and have the same obligations as regular, non-OJT employees.
You cannot be trained in the same occupation from which your TAA-affected layoff occurred. You must learn a new skill.
OJT is bought training; it is not merely a wage subsidy for employers.
TAA training, including OJT, cannot be approved retroactively; you must apply for the training and be approved before you are hired.

5. Key Things to Remember…continued
TAA OJT is not an incumbent worker program and it is not to be equated with work experience.
You are entitled to one (1) training program per TAA petition certification; OJT is considered training.
TAA OJT does not provide Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) or Transportation Allowances.
You cannot quit a job you already have to do OJT.
TAA Workforce Specialists are not responsible for finding employment for you.

6. How is this going to work??

7. Help You Can Count On
Professional evaluation of your work history, education, and experience
Career guidance/planning assistance through SC Works
WorkKeys and other skills assessments (Example: Interest Inventory)
Referrals to employability workshops to maximize the effectiveness of your job hunt
WIA Program Referral
Résumé assistance
OJT Marketing Letter

8. Tailor your résumé to the job you are looking for
Tailor your résumé to the job you are looking for. Employers do not like the cookie-cutter approach!
Always include a new, signed copy of your OJT Marketing Letter with your résumé or application.
Don’t be afraid to apply for positions for which you don’t have all the qualifications. That’s the goal of OJT!
Mention that you are an OJT candidate in your cover letter and thank you notes.
Be organized and keep track of your applications, dates, feedback, etc.
Work with your Workforce Specialist or an employment services representative to exhaust all resources at your local Workforce Center.

9. Not all employers are suitable to provide OJT.
Every employer has to complete paperwork to determine eligibility.
Qualified Business Services staff will work with every employer on your behalf.
The goal is to find employers who will train skilled positions.
Short-term contracts with temporary agencies or part-time employment does not qualify for TAA OJT.

10. Found a potential OJT employer?
Complete a TAA OJT Application prior to being hired
A training plan, including benchmarks, will be developed with and for you
TAA covers required tools, uniforms, etc. for training
TAA covers required supplemental classroom training
Submit monthly progress reports until your training period is completed

11. *** IMPORTANT *** When looking for suitable OJT positions, focus on the following:
Look for jobs that require a similar but not the exact same skill set to qualifications you already possess.
Apply for jobs for which you do not yet have 100% of the required skills.

12. SC Works Online Services
O*NET Online
My Skills, My Future
Instruction Webinar!