Job and Worker Training
Reduce hiring costs, upskill your team, and stay competitive with Lucas County’s training reimbursement programs for new hires and existing employees.
Two Ways to Strengthen Your Workforce
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On-the-Job Training
OJT reimburses up to 50% of a new hire’s wages during a defined training period while they perform productive work.
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Incumbent Worker Training
IWT reimburses eligible training costs for current employees to boost retention, prepare for new technologies, and strengthen competitiveness.
On-the-Job Training
The On-the-Job Training (OJT) program helps employers reduce the costs of bringing new talent into their business. Funded through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), OJT reimburses companies for a portion of a new hire’s wages, typically up to 50% of the participant’s pay during the agreed-upon training period.
OJT is designed for situations where a new hire has strong potential but may lack some of the skills needed to perform at full capacity. Instead of shouldering the entire training cost, employers receive financial support while the employee learns on the job.
How OJT works:
Employers and the County create a training agreement before the employee’s start date.
The agreement specifies the duration of training and the exact skills and competencies the employee will acquire.
The length of training depends on the complexity of the role, the participant’s prior education and experience, and the individual service strategy.
Employers provide real-world, hands-on training while being reimbursed for the added supervision and reduced productivity that often come with onboarding new staff.
OJT offers a win-win solution: companies fill positions faster with candidates they might otherwise overlook, and workers gain valuable career skills that position them for long-term success.
Incumbent Worker Training
The Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program helps businesses stay competitive by investing in their current workforce. Also funded through WIOA, IWT reimburses employers for the direct costs of training existing employees.
This program is ideal for companies facing new technologies, shifting market demands, or the need to boost efficiency. By upskilling current staff, employers can prevent layoffs, improve retention, and build a more adaptable workforce—while employees benefit from professional development and career advancement opportunities.
How IWT works:
Employers can apply individually or as part of a consortium of businesses facing similar challenges.
Training may cover new processes, advanced equipment, or emerging industry standards.
Eligible costs include instructor fees, training materials, curriculum development, software, off-site facilities, and other reasonable training expenses directly tied to skill development.
The goal is not only to retain workers but also to position them—and the business—for long-term growth.
IWT provides employers with a cost-effective way to increase productivity and innovation, while employees gain the confidence and skills to move forward in their careers.