TEN41-10ACC.pdf

ETA Advisory File Text

NO. 41-10 TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT NOTICE DATE May 17 2011 TO STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES STATE WORKFORCE ADMINISTRATORS STATE WORKFORCE LIASONS STATE AND LOCAL WORKFORCE BOARD CHAIRS AND DIRECTORS STATE LABOR COMMISSIONERS STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE DIRECTORS COMPREHENSIVE ONE-STOP OFFICE MANAGERS AFFILIATE ONE-STOP MANAGERS FROM JANE OATES s Assistant Secretary SUBJECT Announcement of Building the Next Generation On-the-Job-Training Toolkit 1. Purpose . This Training and Employment Notice TEN serves to issue a follow-up announcement of the Building the Next Generation On-the-Job-Training OJT Toolkit. The OJT Toolkit is a compendium of policies templates and promising practices to support state workforce agencies and local OJT providers who are beginning to implement OJT or who are enhancing their OJT efforts. Since the initial announcement ETA has continued to add resources such as the Quick Start Action Planner. The website can be accessed at https ojttoolkit.workforce3one.org . 2. Background . In February 2011 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that despite numerous indicators of economic recovery the 2010 average annual unemployment rate increased or held steady in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Job growth has lagged behind other leading economic indicators making reemployment for the unemployed more difficult. As a result the Employment and Training Administration ETA has responded by emphasizing approaches to training that have shown promise in reemploying individuals in this post-recession era. One critical training strategy that has immediate benefits for both employers and jobseekers is OJT. OJT is a workplace-based training model that allows the employer to be reimbursed for the extraordinary costs of training an individual. OJT can incentivize business hiring getting people trained and back to work quickly. OJT also allows individuals to earn a paycheck while learning new skills. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WASHINGTON D.C. 20210 2 The OJT Toolkit was made available to the public on June 2010. The OJT Toolkit was first shared with the workforce system in a webinar on July 16 2010. This webinar provided an overview of the OJT Toolkit including outreach materials contracts polices and procedures and monitoring documents. The webinar is archived at https www.workforce3one.org view 3001026343196068678 info . The second webinar on September 10 2010 provided an overview of the OJT training modules and the Quick Start Action Plan assessment tool. In the webinar state and local practitioners also gave examples of how to use the Toolkit to improve the delivery of OJT. Since the rollout of the OJT Toolkit we have received some questions and feedback on the Toolkit as well as a number of positive comments from state and local practitioners about the benefits of the OJT resources. The purpose of this TEN is to re-publicize this free resource to states and local practitioners. 3. Building the Next Generation OJT Toolkit . Who is the audience The OJT Toolkit is a free online resource developed by ETA for state workforce agencies local workforce investment boards and local OJT providers. This Toolkit is designed to support entities that are beginning strengthening or expanding the implementation of OJT. What is the purpose of the OJT Toolkit The OJT Toolkit allows for the quick efficient and successful implementation of OJT at the state and local levels. The OJT Toolkit provides a number of tools templates and tutorials to help state and local workforce practitioners design and administer successful training efforts. What are the features of the OJT Toolkit The OJT Toolkit includes information documents and examples culled from several state workforce agencies and local OJT providers. The Toolkit builds off the current successes of the public workforce system in implementing OJT while providing tools to help avoid common pitfalls at the state and local level. The Toolkit includes documents forms and templates in the following areas Policies and Procedures OJT Manual Checklist Outreach Brochures Handouts Fliers for Job Seekers Employers and Community Organizations Contracts and Modifications Checklist Contract and Modification Templates Training Plans Templates Monitoring Tools Templates Federal Requirements We acknowledge that states and local areas have varying levels of expertise with OJT therefore we have developed several additional resources that will help states and local staff to quickly and successfully implement OJT. These tools include On-the-Job Training OJT Keys to Implementation a web based self-paced tutorial which provides an overview of OJT. It also offers valuable guidance for outreach implementing and monitoring OJT. Quick Start Action Planner QSAP an interactive self-paced assessment tool designed to assist states and locals in evaluating critical aspects of OJT planning policy operations and oversight. 3 Establishing and Strengthening OJT Workshop a complete guide to facilitate a one day training session in promising practices to establish OJT. Will there be future improvements ETA is eager to continue to improve the OJT Toolkit site. We welcome feedback and submissions of materials that will augment the compendium of resources already available. If you have suggestions for improving the OJT Toolkit please contact Sara Williams at Williams.Sara dol.gov . 4. Action Requested . The U.S. Department of Labor requests that recipients distribute this notice about the OJT Toolkit to affiliated entities and individuals and all other interested parties. The website can be accessed at https ojttoolkit.workforce3one.org . 5. Inquiries . For more information about the OJT Toolkit please send an email to Williams.Sara dol.gov or call 202 693-3185.