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  2. Vocational Rehabilitation
  3. DVR Service Providers
  4. Technical Specifications
  5. On-the-Job Training (OJT)

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On-the-Job Training (OJT)

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On-the-job training (OJT) and Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) are hands-on employment programs sponsored by DWD's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

  • OJT connects DVR consumers to permanent employment and provides wage reimbursement to employers to support training for job-specific skills beyond standard entry-level expectations.
  • S-OJT is a pre-ETS service that connects students with disabilities to paid employment and training opportunities, supporting career exploration and career development.

Both initiatives:

  • Reinforce real-world skill development in the workplace.
  • Provide structured support while maintaining permanent employment or paid student placement.
  • Include agreements, monthly progress monitoring, and wage reimbursement.
  • Complement employer onboarding and training without replacing standard practices.

OJT is an employer incentive service. It is not intended as an assessment service or a replacement for job development or internship/temporary work.

Summary of Services Table

SERVICE PURPOSE TIMEFRAMES DELIVERABLES PAYMENT
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Assist permanently hired consumers in developing job-specific skills above standard entry-level expectations. Up to 90 calendar days, based on training needs
  1. On-the-Job Training Agreement
  2. On-the-Job 30-day invoice and Progress Reports
 Varies by consumer
Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) Provide students (ages 14-21) with paid work experience aligned with career interests. Up to 500 hours within a 12-month period, or until student status ends, whichever comes first.
  1. Student On-the-Job Training Agreement
  2. Student On-the-Job 30-day invoice and Progress Reports
 Varies by consumer

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Service Overview

OJT is a hands-on method of teaching employees the duties, knowledge, and skills needed to perform a specific job within the workplace. DVR supports permanent employment for consumers who require additional training above what is typical for a new employee. On a case-by-case basis, DVR can reimburse employers for wages paid during training to offset the costs associated with developing the consumer's job-specific skills.

Service Components

An OJT provides 50 percent reimbursement of wages to an employer who pays a permanently hired DVR consumer. The reimbursement is intended to assist the employer with costs of training the DVR consumer on skills necessary to work for the employer long-term.

  • DVR negotiates the OJT Hiring Initiative Agreement with the employer.
  • The employer provides training and payroll for the consumer.
  • Optional support from a Service Provider (job development or retention services) may be authorized.
  • Reimbursement covers 50% of wages for up to 90 calendar days.
  • Follow-up retention services are provided by DVR and/or the Service Provider for 90 days after OJT completion.

Service Requirements

  • The job aligns with the consumer's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
  • Wages and benefits meet or exceed the minimum wage and are consistent with the employer's standard for similar roles.
  • Work hours meet the consumer's needs (part-time or full-time, up to 40 hours/week).
  • Consumer is a permanent employee, and the employer agrees to maintain employment and wages following the OJT.

Additional Considerations

  • Consider the consumer's need for accommodations, rehabilitation technology, or short-term job coaching; these should be included in the IPE if needed.
  • OJTs should not be used as strike replacements or for layoffs.
  • DVR staff and/or Service Providers may inform employers about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and other workforce resources.
  • Employers should receive guidance and support from DVR throughout the process.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

  • On-the-Job (OJT) Hiring Initiative Agreement (DVR-16561-E) – negotiated, completed, and signed by DVR, employer, and consumer. Signatures may be handwritten or obtained electronically via a secure platform such as Docusign.
  • On-the-Job Training (OJT) 30-day Invoice and Progress Report (DVR-18435-E) – completed monthly by employer; consumer signs off before submission.
  • DVR staff track completion, hours, and compliance; Service Provider coordination or follow-up is documented if applicable.
  • All forms/reports are attached to consumer's case record.
  • Authorizations and Purchase Orders are set up and coded according to DVR fiscal instructions; payments follow monthly invoice approval. See DVR OJT Hiring Process for more information.

Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) Service Overview

S-OJT provides students with disabilities (ages 14-21) the opportunity to explore career options while gaining job-specific skills. The program supports employment opportunities for students while they are still enrolled in school. DVR reimburses employers for wages to encourage competitive integrated employment placements.

Service Components

  • DVR staff negotiate and finalize the S-OJT Agreement with the employer.
  • Employers provide training and payroll for the student.
  • Students participate under the supervision of DVR, with optional school staff support in coordination.
  • Wage reimbursement is up to 100% of the employee's hourly wage, up to 500 hours within a 12-month period, or until the student no longer meets the definition of a student, whichever comes first.

Service Requirements

  • Student meets the WIOA definition of a student.
  • Student, and legal guardian if applicable, consent to participation.
  • Job aligns with the student's career exploration goals and abilities.
  • Wages and benefits meet or exceed the minimum wage and are consistent with the employer's standard for similar roles.
  • Work hours accommodate the student's educational and personal needs (part-time or full-time, up to 40 hours/week).
  • Student is a permanent employee, and the employer agrees to maintain employment and wages post-training.

Additional Considerations

  • Consider the student's graduation date when determining the training timeframe to facilitate smooth transition to other services.
  • DVR staff may provide additional support services (Systematic Instruction or Retention, transportation, accommodations) alongside the S-OJT as needed.
  • Employers should receive guidance and support from DVR throughout the process.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

  • Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) Agreement (DVR-18434-E) - negotiated, completed, and signed by DVR, employer, and student (guardian if applicable). Signatures may be handwritten or obtained electronically via a secure platform such as Docusign.
  • Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) 30-day Invoice and Progress Report (DVR-18436-E) - completed monthly by employer; student signs off before submission.
  • DVR staff track completion, hours, and compliance; Service Provider coordination or follow-up is documented if applicable.
  • All forms/reports are attached to consumer's case record.
  • Authorizations and Purchase Orders are set up and coded according to DVR fiscal instructions; payments follow monthly invoice approval. See DVR S-OJT Hiring Process for more information.
RATE SERVICE
50% of wages for the approved training period, up to 90 calendar days

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Payable upon completion of acceptable service and timely submission of the 30-day Invoice & Progress Report(s) to DVR. Initiation of training must occur within 30 days of receipt of the purchase order. Reimbursement ends after 90 days or completion of agreed training objectives per OJT Agreement, whichever comes first. Payment is made directly to the employer. Not a Service Provider rate; this is an employer incentive intended to offset training costs.

Regular: (Code 058) Training: OJT

100% of wages for the training period, up to 500 hours in a 12-month period or until the consumer no longer meets the definition of a student, whichever comes first

Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT)

Payable upon completion of acceptable service and timely submission of the 30-day Invoice & Progress Report(s) to DVR. Initiation of training must occur within 30 days of receipt of the purchase order. Payment is made directly to the employer. Not a Service Provider rate; this is an employer incentive intended to offset training costs.

Pre-ETS: (Code 219) Pre-ETS: Training: Student OJT

Service Report Name and Link Purpose of the Report Use and Submission Details
On-the-Job Training (OJT) On-the-Job (OJT) Hiring Initiative Agreement (DVR-16561-E) DVR staff use this to formalize the OJT arrangement between DVR, the employer, and the consumer; documenting training objectives, responsibilities, and payment terms. Completed and signed by consumer/employee, employer, and DVR staff before OJT start. Uploaded to consumer case file.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) 30-day Invoice and Progress Report (DVR-18435-E) DVR staff use this to formalize the S-OJT arrangement; documenting training objectives, responsibilities, and payment terms. Completed and signed by student/employee, employer, and DVR staff before S-OJT start. Uploaded to consumer case file.
Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) Agreement (DVR-18434-E) Employer uses this to track and report hours worked, wages paid, and progress on training objectives. Allows employer to request reimbursement. Employer completes each month, including dates worked, total due, and evaluation of objectives. Submitted to local DVR office for payment processing.
Student On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) 30-day Invoice and Progress Report (DVR-18436-E) Employer uses this to track and report hours worked, wages paid, and progress on training objectives. Allows employer to request reimbursement. Employer completes each month, including dates worked, total due, and evaluation of objectives. Submitted to local DVR office for payment processing.