Training Assistance, Grants & Incentives at Little-to-No Cost
Older Worker Recruitment
WorkForce 55+, a federally funded program administered through the One-Stop Career Center that offers jobs and training to economically disadvantaged seniors 55 years of age and older. The program fully pays the salaries of newly hired seniors for up to 48 months. Applicants must meet income threshold to be eligible for this program authorized under Title V of the Older Americans Act and administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. WorkForce 55+ has assisted people with stable employment in the following positions:
- Clerk Typists
- Reservations Clerks
- Security Guards
- Certified Home Health Aides
- Food Service Workers
- Retail Sales Associates
- Data Entry Operators
- Teachers’ Aides
- Receptionists
- Floral Arrangers
- Bookkeepers
- Library Aides
Community Work Experience Program
This program provides approved non-profits with qualified candidates, entry-level staff transitioning from welfare to work free of cost to employers for up to 6 months, including Workers’ Compensation.
On-the-Job Training
This program defrays the salary cost of new hires for training by reimbursing 50-90% of new hires payroll up to 6 months. In addition, the WorkFirst New Jersey On-the-Job Training (OJT) employers are reimbursed up to half a new hire’s gross wages to a maximum of 26 weeks to assist with funding an employee’s training program. However, to qualify for wage subsidy the training program must be approved in advance. In addition, the positions must be permanent full time that pays at least $8.50 per hour or minimum wage, whichever is higher. The program is funded by the State of New Jersey.
Employment specialists at the One-Stop Career Center pre-screen job applicants from the WorkFirst New Jersey and Food Stamp Employment & Training programs. A WorkFirst New Jersey participant is someone that receives public assistance such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, General Assistance, or non-public assistance Food Stamps. The most qualified applicants will be referred for interviews and the company will make the final hiring decision.
Before WorkFirst participant is hired, the candidate will meet with an OJT specialist of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to draft a contract. The contract will outline the on-the-job training requirements for each position and specify your training reimbursement. The WorkFirst Program depends on the active engagement of the state’s business community to help create opportunities for economically disadvantaged New Jersey citizens. Learn more about business incentives and how to participate.
Do your employees need training in new skills?
Customized Training Grants
Typically, these grants are available through the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development to help improve your employees’ skills and meet the company’s business needs. The customized training program is designed to benefit both employees and businesses by enhancing the skills of your workers, thereby increasing productivity and competitiveness. The grants are awarded monthly on a competitive basis and can be utilized for on-the-job or classroom training.
Literacy Skills Training Grants
These grants are available to improve your employees’ English language proficiency, reading comprehension, communication, math, and computer literacy skills. Your business might qualify for public funds to underwrite the cost of employee training. We can help you apply for Department of Labor grants for literacy training or for customized training. Learn more about literacy skills training grants.
Have you considered these employer-benefit programs?
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Businesses can receive a federal tax credit of $2,400-$9,000 to hire employees with employment barriers including, but not limited to the disabled candidates, certain veterans, and general assistance recipients.
Learn more about tax incentives and other benefits for hiring employees with disabilities.
Veterans’ Representatives at the One-Stop Career Center specialize in assisting employers with the numerous veteran incentives available through the Veterans Administration, state, and local governments. Veterans are given special preference. In some cases, the employer incentives are significantly greater if the new hire qualifies as a veteran. Learn more about the veteran hiring incentives available to employers.
Federal Bonding Insurance
Receive fidelity bond insurance coverage of $5,000-$25,000 at no cost and with no deductible for 6 to 12 months to hire employees with credit or legal challenges.
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Receive up to $5,000 for each new or current employee participating in a registered apprenticeship and receive on-the-job classroom training.
For more information about employer-incentive programs, visit Jobs4Jersey.com.
To learn more about information and services available to businesses through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, visit njeda.com, or call 800-537-7397.
