On-the-Job Training (OJT)

To begin the OJT process, first schedule a meeting with the OJT contract Specialist from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RI DLT). Please email: dlt.ojt@dlt.ri.gov to reach them.

The OJT Contract Specialist will supply the OJT Employer Application and a sample Training Outline and work with you to create a Training Outline that details the training and hours required to complete the training.

Employers must be registered in Ocean State Procures. The Vendor Self-Registration Guide provides instructions for the process.

The OJT position must provide an hourly wage of at least $15.05 per hour. The maximum allowable reimbursement is $25.05 per hour. Maximum total OJT reimbursement is $26,052 per trainee (based upon 1040 hours of training for 26 weeks @ 40 hours per week). The OJT position must provide a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week.

You select the candidate that best meets your requirements. If you would like assistance in finding an OJT candidate, the RI DLT portal EmployRI.org may be used to connect with available candidates. Additionally, the OJT Contract Specialist can arrange for an appointment with a DLT Career Center Business Service Specialist to assist with hiring needs.

• The candidate cannot be related to the employer;
• The candidate must possess some of the skills required for the position;
• The candidate cannot quit another job to take the OJT position.

Send your candidate’s resume to the OJT Contract Specialist who will arrange an appointment with a DLT Career Center counselor. The DLT Career Center counselor will interview the candidate and review the Training Outline with your candidate to identify the skills the candidate must acquire for the jobplacement or upskilling. The difference between the candidate’s current skill level and the job requirements will determine the length of training.

After the candidate has been determined eligible for the OJT Program by a DLT Career Center Counselor, the OJT Contract Specialist will prepare and email an OJT contract to you.

After the OJT Contract is signed by the employer and the Executive Director of Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB), the candidate can begin the OJT reimbursed training plan in their assigned role.

A RI DLT representative will contact you to schedule a site visit two-four weeks after the employee has begun the OJT program to meet with the supervisor and the employee. The representative will assist you with accurately completing the forms to expedite reimbursement and will set-up follow-up on-site visits.

Pursuant to waiver authority granted by the Secretary of the US Department of Labor; until June 30, 2023 (unless otherwise extended), employers will be reimbursed the following rates based on their size:

• 50 or fewer employees: up to ninety percent (90%) on-the-job training employer reimbursement (or the maximum allowable reimbursement [$25.05 per hour], whichever is less)
• 51-250 employees: up to seventy-five percent (75%) on-the-job training employer reimbursement (or the maximum allowable reimbursement [$25.05 per hour for program year 2021], whichever is less);
• 250 employees+: up to fifty percent (50%) on-the-job training employer reimbursement(or the maximum allowable reimbursement [$25.05 per hour for program year 2021], whichever is less).
• Reimbursement is based on trainee hours worked only. There is no reimbursement for paid holidays, vacation days, sick days, overtime pay or commissions.