Businesses in Oyster Bay Town that are seeking to expand their workforce may find opportunity through the town’s on-the-job training program.
Thanks to federal funding, the town will partner with an eligible business and assist with wage reimbursement to help offset the costs of helping to train a candidate to overcome any skills gaps.
Joseph Saladino, the town supervisor, said that the program “has been successful in helping putting people to work while assisting employers with growing their business.”
He said that “federal grant funds allow us to reimburse a business for the additional expenses needed to bring a candidate up to speed in a job.”
For small to mid-sized businesses with up to 50 employees, employers may be eligible for 75 percent reimbursement. Companies with 50 or more employees may be eligible for 50 percent reimbursement.
To qualify, businesses must meet certain criteria. Their employment opportunities must be at least one month and no more than 6 months in length. The starting wage must be above minimum wage. The position must be full-time, and must be a direct hire, with out the assistance of an employment placement agency.
“The Oyster Bay Brewing Company previously participated in this on-the-job training program, ultimately helping train and employ two residents in product sales, which ultimately led to permanent positions within the company,” Councilman Lou Imbroto said in a statement.
The town also offers a workforce partnership program offers resume-building and other career services to help residents enhance their job opportunities and to help employers find qualified employees.