Skip to main content
Enter search terms below…

On-the-Job Training

The Rensselaer County Department of Employment & Training can help by referring job seekers and/or providing partial reimbursement of training costs for eligible individuals when hired. The procedure is simple and short. The employer completes a one-page company application and then the training agreement is prepared with the assistance of our Employment Specialists. Regular reports include a timesheet and a progress summary of skills attained, submitted once a month. Reimbursement is monthly, upon submission of a timesheet and progress report and is paid directly to the employer. Contact (518) 270-2860 for more information.

  • WHAT IS OJT?

This program is designed to provide job seekers with greater access to available jobs when a lack of specialized training or experience may prevent capable individuals from obtaining permanent, productive and profitable employment. OJT is intended to assist employers with certain training costs incurred in training.

  • HOW DOES OJT WORK?

Employers interview and hire eligible individuals who are registered with the Department. The new hire is considered an employee of the company and is subject to all normal rights and benefits applicable to regularly employed, full-time workers. Employers can be reimbursed for up to 50% of the individual's wages for the training period required to achieve the specified skill level for the position.

  • WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE ELIGIBLE?

Private for-profit companies and not-for-profit employers. Firms must agree to hire and train the eligible job seeker in the skills that are needed for the job and are of lasting value to the trainee.

  • WHO CAN BE AN OJT TRAINEE?

Unemployed and underemployed residents of the counties of Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady who lack the required experience and/or formal skills training, who are otherwise job-ready applicants. Eligibility of applicants is determined on an individual basis. Please contact us for more information on eligibility.

  • WHAT KINDS OF TRAINING?

At a minimum training should be designed to provide individuals with the skills needed for standard performance in the company's work force. The training wage must be at least $13.00 per hour for at least 35 hours per week. The duration is based on reasonable training for the position, taking into consideration the individual’s prior experience. The training must be approved by the Department before the candidate starts in the position.

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 30, 2025) — Maria College has been awarded a five-year, nearly $5 million grant from the New York State Department of Health to enhance student support services and address the region’s critical nursing workforce shortage.   The funding, awarded through the department’s new Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP…
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, local officials, and community members gathered to recognize and congratulate Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC, on being added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry on September 18th. With roots dating back to 1813, the firm has provided more than 200 years of legal…
GlobalFoundries-Town of Malta Foundation Accepting Applications for 2025 Grants The Foundation has invested more than $2M in the Malta community in the last 15 years   Deadline for grant applications is November 7, 2025   MALTA, N.Y., September 15, 2025— GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF), announced that the GF-Town of Malta Foundation is proud to…
Sep
30
Join us for this special event will feature a light breakfast, networking, and panel discussion with Q & A from Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello,…
Tuesday, September 30th from 8:00am-9:30am
Oct
08
Join the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Colonie Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate our anniversaries with this very special…
October 8th, 5:00pm-7:30pm
Oct
08
The 1 Million Cups Monthly Meetings are happening throughout 2025 in the Chamber's 1st Floor Conference Room. Held every second Wednesday of the month,…
Wednesday, October 8, 9:00am-10:00am