Chapter IX - G

Training Programs - On-The-Job Training

On-the-job training (OJT) is provided by vocational rehabilitation as a means of giving a customer practical experience on a job without putting an extra expense on the employer. OJT training can also persuade a reluctant employer to give the customer a job trial. Care should be taken in the use of OJT training funds to ensure there is no waste in paying a training wage for a customer who could be productive in the normal training time. OJT funds are not to be used as asubsidy. Also, refer to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program and use it whenever possible instead of using on-the-job training funds. Adhere to the following in developing the OJT program.

The following considerations will be given when utilizing a profit-making organization in the provision of on-the-job training:

1. The company's success rate in training persons with visual disabilities
2. Adaptive equipment is available when needed by the trainee
3. Qualified staff available to provide training
4. The proximity of the profit-making organization to the customer's home
5. There is no local non-profit organization available to provide the training

1. Procedures
   OJT should take place upon a determination by the counselor that such training will be most suitable in preparing the customer through actual work experience provided by the employer who will hire the successful customer at the end of the designated training period.
   The On-The-Job Training Services Contract (702-90421-) (Word) must be signed by all parties prior to the beginning of the training. This contract sets forth the provisions by which the services are provided.
   The Attachment A (DBVI-04-129) (Word) must be completed in conjunction with the OJT services contract. The Attachment A is also used for Tutorial Services and the Work Experience Training/Summer Work Cooperative Agreement.
   In the OJT program, complete the following sections of the Attachment A:
   1. Check the appropriate service in Section A.
   2. Complete all the questions in Section B.
   3. Complete the training outline and list the topics/activities from I to IX. Then list the hours assigned for each activity in the right column.
   4. Complete Section D.
   5. Complete Section G, if necessary.
   6. Complete Section H, signature lines.
   The methods of instruction and size of the training group shall not differ in time to other training programs for the particular occupation.
   The rate of compensation paid to the customer engaged in the production of any goods or services will not be less than the following, whichever is higher: the minimum entrance rate for inexperienced worker(s) in the same occupation or the current federal minimum wage.
2. Tuition
   The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired may pay a tuition (reimbursement of costs) to an employer in some OJT programs. In those instances where it is essential, the counselor will authorize up to 100% of the established entrance wage or the federally established minimum wage, whichever is greater, legal, and applicable.
3. Time Limit
   There is a maximum time limit of three months for on-the-job training. Any extension beyond three months would have to be requested by the employer, approved by the VR counselor, and justified in the case record. If the customer reaches production rate in less than three months, on-the-job training must be discontinued at the time production is met. A Training Progress Report (DBVI-04-021) must be completed every month by the employer to show the customer's progress and retained in the customer's case folder.
4. Comparable Services and Benefits
   The counselor must make every effort to obtain comparable services and benefits available to the customer from all other programs. This includes public and private sector to meet in whole or in part the cost of the customer's program.