The Western Maryland Consortium is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) referral agency serving Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties and is a part of the Maryland Workforce Investment Works network.
In addition to the wide range of services for those seeking employment, the Consortium can assist business owners in filling available positions with qualified job seekers through its various programs.
On-The-Job Training
On-the-Job training allows workers to become skilled at a position while working on the job. In the end, your business has an experienced worker.
If an applicant is found eligible, the Consortium will reimburse your business for a percentage of the wages paid:
If an applicant is found eligible, the Consortium will reimburse your business for a percentage of the wages paid:
- For adult workers: 50% of wages
- For youth aged 18-24: Up to 75% of wages
Workers must be full-time, working at least 32 hours per week. Reimbursement time will vary depending upon the job and the employee's skills at the time of hire.
The OJT program generally runs from 4 to 26 weeks, until the employee is proficient. Pending satisfactory evaluation, the employer agrees to hire the worker permanently.
Work Experience
Work experience allows an employer to teach a worker how to do a job at the actual job location before being hired.
For six weeks, the employer can train the eligible employee at the Consortium's cost. The Consortium pays for everything, including wages, workers' compensation, and taxes for the worker to train full-time. Afterward, pending satisfactory evaluation, the employer agrees to hire the employee permanently.
In some instances, On-the-Job Training can be combined with Work Experience.
For additional information, contact the Western Maryland Consortium at (301) 334-8136.