State Grant to Hire/Retrain Displaced Workers

Category: Workforce Grant

 

Job Driven National Emergency Grant (JD NEG)
Employer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Nebraska’s Job Driven National Emergency Grant (JD NEG) project is a partner-driven strategy that creates reemployment services and work-based trainings for dislocated workers, the long-term unemployed, and veterans returning from service. This industry-driven project will help connect and prepare participants for employment opportunities in manufacturing and transportation, distribution and logistics (TDL) industries.  

What does the Job Driven NEG do for employers?

  • Provides reimbursement for on-the-job trainings (OJTs) to compensate for the extraordinary costs associated with training the employee and the lower productivity of the employee during the training period. 

  • Assists with costs associated with customized training for an employer to train new employees with skills necessary to perform their job duties.

  • Pays for classroom training that is required of the new employee in order for them to perform the job duties required of the position. 

What types of jobs are eligible for the Job Driven NEG?

  • Jobs must be full-time, permanent positions with the employer.

  • Employers must be from the private or private non-profit sector.

  • Employers must qualify as manufacturing or transportation, distribution, and logistics (TDL) employers; or

  • Occupations must qualify as manufacturing or transportation, distribution, and logistics (TDL) occupations, regardless of the employer’s industry.

What is On-the-Job Training (OJT)?

  • Training by an employer that is provided to a paid participant while he or she is engaged in productive work that provides skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job.

  • OJTs involve a “learn by doing” method that allows an employee to obtain industry skills on the job.

What is my financial obligation to Nebraska Department of Labor for providing OJTs?

  • There is no financial cost for participants or employers to participate in OJT activities.

What paperwork is required for OJTs?

  • Pre-award application (once per year for each worksite location)

  • OJT contract and assurances (once per year for each worksite location)

  • OJT training plan (a separate plan for each OJT participant)

  • Employer reimbursement form

How long does an OJT last?

  • OJTs are limited to the length of time that is appropriate to the training for the position and cannot exceed 6 months.

Is there a limit on the number of OJTs my company can do?

  • No; there is no limit. Businesses have the option of hiring multiple people for OJTs.

Can I do an OJT with an existing or previous employee?

  • No, this is not allowable for existing or previous employees.OJT participants must be enrolled in the Job Driven NEG program prior to working at the company.

  • OJTs cannot be provided for individuals who previously worked at a company, regardless of their previous position or the length of time since their employment.

How much will my company be reimbursed for an OJT?

  • The rate of reimbursement is up to 50% of the employee’s wages.

What is needed for my company to be reimbursed for a OJT?

  • A “Request for Reimbursement” form must be submitted at least quarterly, but no more than monthly.

  • The request for reimbursement must be accompanied by official company payroll records.

Where is the Job Driven grant available in Nebraska

  • The Job Driven grant is available statewide.

How do I find out more about the Job Driven grant in my region?