Employers 

Access To Job Seekers

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers employers access to job seekers through the Career Center System. Any employer can place a simple request for referrals through the labor market exchange program offered at each of the career centers. [Career Centers]

Incumbent Worker Training

The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides grant funding for customized training for existing for profit businesses. Through this customer-driven program, Tennessee is able to effectively retain and keep businesses competitive through upgrade skills training for existing full-time employees. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, along with the specific Local Workforce Investment Area and the local Career Center administer the Incumbent Worker Training Program. The program has been structured to be flexible to meet the business' training objectives. The business may use public, private, or its own in-house training provider based on the nature of the training.

Customized Training

When an employer identifies the need to train a group of job applicants in a specific occupational skill area, the Local Workforce Investment Area can assist with meeting the employer's training needs. The local program can pay up to 50% of the total cost for training a group of potential employees. The employer must agree to hire all of the applicants referred who successfully complete the training. [LWIAs]

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Employers who have been pre-approved by One-Stop Career Centers can be reimbursed up to half of wages paid to workers. Employers earn workers they have trained to their own specifications and employees are very likely to remain after training is complete. OJT is particularly encouraged in higher-skill occupations, and can be done in conjunction with classroom training at education institutions. Reimbursements are limited to six months and may not exceed the time required to acquire the skill needed for the position.

On The Job Training for an eligible employed individual may be available for employers when the employee is not earning a self-sufficient wage as determined by local board policy. The employer must agree to continue to employ the individual on successful completion of the training. To find out more about the availability of OJT in your area contact your LWIA.