2. Vocational Rehabilitation
3. Service Providers
4. Technical Specifications
5. OJT Guide for Employers

DVR On-The-Job Training (OJT) Guide for Employers

September 2023

On-the-job training (OJT) is a hands-on method of teaching employees the duties, knowledge, and skills needed to perform a specific job within the workplace.

DWD's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) sponsors two OJT initiatives, one connecting DVR consumers to permanent employment and another connecting students to employment and training opportunities. Each initiative provides an excellent strategy to bring new talent into your workforce!

An OJT provides 50 percent reimbursement of wages to an employer who pays a permanently hired DVR consumer. The reimbursement is intended to assist the employer with costs of training the DVR consumer on skills necessary to work for the employer long-term.

Important aspects of on-the-job training include:

• Employees are hired by the employer into permanent positions.
• Employees continue to receive the same or increased wage and benefits following the training period.
• Employees learn in the environment where they will perform the work.
• Employees are paid for productive work while learning new skills.

OJT Program Basics

• The employer receives approval from DVR before initiating the OJT hire.
• Upon approval, the employer hires the trainee/employee into a permanent full-time or part-time position not to exceed 40 hours/week.
• The employer compensates the employee with wages and benefits equivalent to those provided to other employees performing similar work.
• The funds provided to the employer are intended to offset the costs associated with training the new employee in a manner that exceeds the standard training offered to new employees.
• The employer, in cooperation with DVR, completes the OJT Hiring Initiative Agreement.
• The employer completes the 30-Day Invoice and Progress Report to receive reimbursement for wages paid to the employee.

Student OJT Program Specifics

• Students include DVR consumers ages 14-21 who are currently attending high school or a college/university.
• The employer is eligible for reimbursement of 100 percent of the wages paid to the employee for up to 500 hours of employment in a 12-month period, or when the employee is no longer a student (whichever occurs first).

Non-Student OJT Program Specifics

• The general OJT program is for any DVR consumer who does not fit the description of a student.
• The employer is eligible for reimbursement of 50 percent of the wages paid to the employee for up to 90 calendar days of employment, based on the employee's training needs.

DVR will assist you with each step in the process and will be available to consult on any questions you may have along the way! DVR staff can also provide you information about other DWD business solutions including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and services through the Job Center of Wisconsin.

For questions or requests for additional information, contact your local DVR office. DVR location and contact information can be found on the DVR Service/Office Locations page.