Programs for Job Seekers

• Youth Workforce Investment Activities
• Adult and Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities
• Adult Education and Literacy Activities
• Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Services
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Services Available for Special Target Groups

Veterans are provided with a full range of Employment, Training, and Labor Market Information and Activities with the primary focus of meeting the needs of Veterans who are unable to obtain employment through basic services. Our focus is providing services to Veterans who are educationally and economically disadvantaged. This includes, but is not limited to:



• Homelessness or at Risk of Being Homeless
• Disabilities
• Criminal Record
• Long-term Unemployed and Underemployed
• Interview Preparation
• Job Placement Assistance
• Career Guidance
• Counseling Services
• Supportive Services and More

A Veteran’s Employment Representative(s) is available at regional American Job Centers to assist Veterans in determining their career objectives and goals. Activities and services available to Veterans include, but are not limited to:

• Assessment of Skill Levels
• Referral Services
• Occupational Skills Training
• On-the-Job Training
• Job Development

Services for Disabled Veterans

Employer and Business Services

Skilled workers of all kinds are among the most highly valued. Based on the American Job Center labor market data/information and word-of-mouth, area employers are placing as much emphasis on general employee skills/characteristics as they are on specific work-related skills.

Those individuals who have prior work experience/ or skills are given significant consideration by many employers. For other employers, it may not be as important. Many employers prefer to train employees in their own business setting. Good work ethics, good communication abilities, the ability to learn on-the-job, being motivated, the ability to read and follow directions, the ability to solve job-related problems, good interpersonal skills, working well with others, being cooperative and a good listener, talking respectfully, following standard procedures, etc. are just some of the qualities employers are looking for.

Employers also want employees who possess good fundamental reading, math, and comprehension skills. Employees are expected to be drug-free. Employees are expected to have a working knowledge of computers, calculators, basic numerical computations, and the ability to complete reports, forms, read/understand correspondences, etc. They have to be capable of filling in for others when asked by the employer.

Sometimes, academic performance may be seen by employers as a substitute for prior work experience or skills. Whatever the case, motivated, prepared employees improve productivity and enhance the reputation of the business. And, a motivated employee is a satisfied one. Employee success translates to employer success.

Regional American Job Centers offer a number of Programs and Services to local area employers:

On-the-Job Training (OJT) – The OJT Program is designed to benefit both the participant and the employer. This Program matches employer needs with participant’s qualifications. The OJT Program provides reimbursement of up to 75% to the employer to allow for the extraordinary cost associated with training the participant and any additional supervision that may be needed during this period.

The employer is responsible for designing the Training Program for the participant at the worksite. The participant is to be compensated the same wage rate, including periodic increases, as other trainees or employees who are in similar occupations with the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills.

Payments for reimbursement of participant’s wages will be made directly to the employer. The participant must be hired on a full-time basis with an hourly wage rate of no less than the minimum wage rate. Full-time employment is considered to be no less than 32 hours per week. The length of the training is limited to a period of time during which the participant is to become proficient in the occupation for which the training is being provided. The hours of training will be based on the academic and occupational skill levels of the customer and prior work experience.

Customized Training – Customized Training is designed to meet the special needs and requirements of an employer, including a group of employers. Customized Training is conducted with a commitment by the employer(s) to employ a participant, or in the case of incumbent workers, continue to employ an individual, upon the successful completion of the training period.

The employer pays for no less than 50% for the cost of the Training. Customized Training for eligible, employed individuals may be provided for an employer, or a group of employers when the employee is not earning a self-sufficient wage as determined by Northern Panhandle Workforce Development Board, Inc. policy.

Customized Screening and Referrals - Customized Screening and Referral of qualified participants are offered to employers.

Recruitment Assistance – A variety of practices like Job Matching, Participation in regional Job Fairs, Job Posting(s) at American Job Centers, etc. are used to assist employers with their recruitment efforts.

On-Site Interviewing – The employer develops the interview tool and is provided with recommendations, suggestions, etc. once initial interviews are completed. Interviews can take place at a regional American Job Center or at the employer’s worksite.

 Identification of Training Needs - Many needs assessments are available to help employers identify training needs for the purpose of improving employee job performance when employees aren’t performing up to a certain standard or at an expected level of performance. Instructional and curriculum design can be developed and delivered with input from the employer and offered at the worksite.

Labor Market Information and Statistics - Employers are provided with access to the most recent Labor Market Data and trends for the region and state that details In-Demand Occupations and jobs with strong wages.

Rapid Response Services – “Rapid Response” is a process that provides information and services to employers experiencing job loss or closure. The Rapid Response Dislocated Worker Program responds to company layoffs and closures by promoting early intervention and providing transition services to affected employers, affected employees, unions, when applicable, companies, and local communities.

Incumbent Worker Training – This type of training can be provided to employers to help train existing workers/preserve jobs. Training, usually short-term, can be customized to meet the specific needs of the employer. It can be skill-based or result in a certificate or accreditation. Training improves productivity, efficiency, and/or wages in the worker’s existing job. The employer must demonstrate that there is a need for Training in order to remain competitive in their industry or the economy.

The "Business Resource Network (BRN)"