Would you like help with the cost of training new hires? 
Niagara County Employment & Training currently has On-the-Job Training (OJT) funds available to reimburse 50 - 75% of your costs for training qualified new hires, depending on your company size.
For more information please contact Mike Kearney at (716) 278-8213.
OJT has reimbursed over 125 local businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars!
We know YOU are the best resource for training new employees and providing your trainee with the most practical learning experience. On-the-Job Training (OJT) helps you defray some of the costs associated with getting that new employee over the “learning curve” as they gain the new skills necessary to be a fully productive member of your team. You retain control over which trainee will be selected, the qualifications, wage rate, and job parameters, as well as what the trainee will learn. Here is a list of companies that we have done OJTs with in recent years: Companies
To get started...
Upon receipt of a completed Preliminary Review – Business Application for On-The-Job Training and Responsibility Questionnaire a Business Services team representative from Niagara’s WorkSourceOne partner, Niagara County Employment & Training (NCE&T) will schedule a brief meeting with you to review the extent of training required, current funding levels, and the steps required to implement the funding.
We will meet with the potential trainee and determine if they are eligible for funding and are found to be in need of training services.
A training outline for the OJT is then developed based upon your job requirements and the eligible applicant's existing skill level. The length of the training period is determined jointly by you and NCE&T.
Considerations will include:
- Skill level of the job
- Education, experience, and eligibility of the individual
- Wage rate
- Funding availability
It is expected that, following successful OJT contract completion, your trainee will remain a successful long-term employee of your business.
See the OJT Fact Sheet for more information.
The OJT Process MUST be initiated and a contract signed BEFORE the individual begins work.
What local employers are saying about OJT:
“Our experience with the Niagara County On-the-Job Training program was excellent. The program helped offset the costs associated with training new employees, making it easier for our business to invest in workforce development. It was great working with Michael Kearney—he was professional, supportive, and made the process smooth from start to finish. We appreciate the opportunity and would highly recommend the program to other local businesses.”
Aaron Davis
VP of Operations
Niagara Precision, Inc. Lockport
“We have been working with Michael Kearney with the OJT program for about ten years now…With Michael’s help it was not very hard to get the program started, and once we initiated the program it has been every easy add more employees…I would 100% refer any business that is hiring to use this program…”
Martin Vanille
Quality Department
Broda Machine Inc. - Niagara Falls
“Since beginning our partnership with the…OJT program, we have achieved significant success. Michael and his group make the process very easy to set up and maintain…we not only have received the benefit of assistance on our overall training costs but have had nice success in bringing in good quality candidates through the program…”
Joe Donaghue, CSCP
Plant Manager
Vishay Thin Film. - Niagara Falls
“I would like to express my gratitude for the On-the-job Training Program…We have been working with the program for the past four years and have had several successful candidates continue employment after the program. The program has been very accommodating and rewarding to Shannon Global Energy Solutions.”
Laura Maldiner
Controller
Shannon Global Energy Solutions - North Tonawanda
“The Niagara County On-the-job training program is a fantastic opportunity for both the employer and the employee…over the last several years we have participated in the program five times. The intent of the Program was achieved each time by covering some payroll costs during a defined training period, which alleviates some burden on the employer and allows proper training time to ensure that the employee is successful. Our administrator from Niagara County for the Program was Mike Kearney. Mike was another reason we have had success. His ability to make the employee and employer comfortable and support both parties throughout the process is exemplary.”
Vinny Jowdy
President
American Glass & Mirror - Niagara Falls
“We have been using the Niagara OTJ training program for over 5 years. This is an amazing program that provides a partial wage reimbursement during the initial training period for new hires. My fears of overwhelming stacks of paperwork were quickly eased after speaking with Workforce Development Coordinator, Michael Kearney. While there is paperwork/documentation that needs to be completed, Mike makes the entire process simple. He is prompt with returning emails and is extremely flexible when arranging on-site follow ups. I can't say enough good things about Mike and this program.”
Aaron Slack
Operations Manager
National Crate - Lewiston
“We have been using the OJT program for many years with many success stories. Michael Kearney makes the process easy, and ensure we accomplish the goal of the program by staying in good communication with us and the employee. This program has allowed us to hire employees we normally would not and grow the company.”
Robert Albert
President
The Impressive Companies - North Tonawanda
“The OJT program has been an extremely helpful program. The Workforce Development Coordinator stays on top of all tasks and is always there for help along the way. We were able to hire someone with no experience and train them to what we need. Now that person has become an integral part of our business.”
Missy Cappello
Vice President
EMPRO Niagara Inc. - Lockport
“…The OJT program assists our company with providing industry-specific skills to new employees and enhances productivity and efficiency within our operations. Our work with the Employment & Training Office since 2020 has been well organized and seamless in regard to administering OJT, contributing to our company’s continued growth and success in Niagara County.”
Scott Meacham
Dir. Business Operations
Virtual Polymer Compounds LLC - Lockport
“Matrix Imaging Solutions LLC has been a proud partner of the Niagara County OJT for the past 4 years. Where the program excels is Mike’s ability to identify a diverse range of candidates who fit our company culture & values while simultaneously helping to provide industry specific training…Thanks to OJT, we continue to grow and are fortunate to be part of this invaluable community program.”
Melisa Green
Director of Human Resources
Matrix Imaging Solutions LLC - Sanborn
"6 Years ago we started working with Mike Kearney with the Niagara County OJT. This program has been tremendously helpful for us. It allows us to offer a competitive wage to a new employee who will need significant training to bring them up the curve. Mike is always very responsive and is eager to help onboard someone."
Joseph Burg
President
J.W. Burg Machine & Tool, Inc. - Akron
“The Niagara County OJT program is a great resource. We’ve worked with Michael Kearney numerous times and he’s great to work with. He makes it very easy to get the program in place with minimal red tape. We’ve had success with candidates he’s provided as well as a candidate we found and put through the OJT program. OJT is a great option and lessens the burden of training and the costs associated with on-the-job Training.”
Andy Baker
President
Baker Tool & Die - North Tonawanda
“We cannot recommend this program enough for businesses in the community. Mike Kearney makes the process so simple and guides you along the way. We have used this program for multiple new hires, and it has worked out well for all parties involved. Mike is flexible, super-efficient and supportive anytime we have questions or any needs.”
Danielle Schmidle
Office Manager
Knabuilders, Inc. – Tonawanda
"…we have been challenged with the shortage of candidates and the skills necessary to perform the work…however, we found our savior in the Niagara Workforce program…that allowed us to recruit, train, and work with qualified candidates who not only could earn a good wage, but also develop a positive attitude and commitment to the work via Michael Kearney’s insight and counsel. We have found this to be a game changer in remaining competitive in a challenging employment market, and I could not support or refer Michael and the folks at Niagara Workforce more vigorously. You will not be disappointed."
Tom Ayers
President
Regional Heavy Equipment & Truck – Lockport
“We have been working with Niagara County On-the-job Training for the past 8 years and we cannot say enough about it! It is a wonderful program that has allowed us to hire candidates at a competitive wage. Mike Kearney makes the process of setting up the program easy and is always available when we have any questions or have a potential new hire we would like to bring on. We have been able to hire, train, and retain numerous employees through this program. We are very thankful to have a program like this available to us and would highly recommend this program to any company in the area!”
Danielle Guay
Office Manager
DC Appliance Repair - Wilson
SUNY Workforce Development Training Grants
Niagara County Community College's Division of Workforce Development can provide training to companies with the assistance of two grant programs:
- SUNY Apprenticeship funds which will pay for related instruction costs of up to $5,000 per apprentice
- SUNY Workforce Development Training Grant which provides funding for NCCC to offer workforce development training programs to businesses and organizations at a substantial reduction in cost.
For more information please call 716-614-6236 or visit our website at: www.niagaracc.suny.edu/wd
