Employer Services

Free Business Workshops

Niagara County Employment & Training provides services that are available to all Western New York businesses at no cost to you.

This assistance includes the following services:

• Referrals of qualified candidates for job openings
• Screening of potential applicants to employer specifications
• Marketing/Publicizing of position(s)
• On-the-Job Training
• Customized Training
• Applying for grants
• Access to various state and local agencies through our Workforce Development Group

On-the-Job Training

On-the-Job Training (OJT) operates on the premise that private sector employers provide the best training opportunities. OJT can offset some of the cost involved in training new or existing employees, and the employer can be assured the employee is trained on company equipment, to company standards. The OJT program helps the employer defray some of the costs associated with the hiring and training of new employees while providing the trainee with the most practical of learning experiences.  It is expected that, following contract completion, OJT employees will become long-term employees of the business. 

OJT may be provided to eligible WIA participants who are assessed and found to be in need of training services in order to obtain employment that leads to self sufficiency. A Business Services team representative will schedule a brief meeting with the employer to review the extent of training required, current funding levels, and the steps required to implement the funding. A training program is developed based upon the business' job requirements and an eligible applicant's existing skill level.

The agreement to implement OJT must be agreed to by the business and Employment & Training BEFORE the new hire begins work.

OJT allows the employer to retain control over which trainee will be selected, the qualifications, wage rate, and job parameters, as well as what the trainee will learn. Employers entering into an OJT contract will be reimbursed up to 50% of a participant's wages during the determined training period. Employees are expected to be trained in occupations offering FULL-TIME (minimum of 30 hours per week) continuing employment after training. The length of the training period is determined jointly by the employer and Employment & Training staff.

Considerations will include:

• Skill level of the job
• Education, experience, and eligibility of the individual
• Wage rate
• Funding availability

Customized Training

Customized Training is available to assist the employer with upgrading the skills of existing employees to help employees increase their skills, advance economically, and thus help the business compete more effectively. Up to 50% of the cost of this training may qualify for funding.

These funds are available to businesses that:

• have at least one physical location in Niagara County
• are requesting training in "demand occupations" as determined through labor market statistics
• can demonstrate that this training may result in retention or expansion of your existing workforce

A simple application must be completed. Niagara County Employment & Training staff will assist businesses in preparing the application.

Workforce Development Group

The Workforce Development Group was formed to provide a seamless array of services to employers throughout Western New York and combines the resources of various public service agencies currently operating in Niagara County. Together, these separate agencies have access to a wide variety of potential job applicants.

Services available at no charge to all Western New York businesses include:

• Pre-employment testing
• Pre-screening for specific skills and qualifications
• Screening for available training subsidies and/or tax credits
• Support for new or existing employees experiencing problems with a wide variety of difficulties, from transportation needs to personal and child care issues.

If you are interested in placing a job order with us, finding out more about our group, or attending one of our meetings, please contact: info@worksource1.com

Professional Opportunity Developers Group

Why pay a fee to a Head Hunter or spend a fortune on a National or International Recruitment campaign? POD is your No-Fee source for experienced talent!Niagara Professional Opportunity Developers group (POD) represents a premier pool of highly skilled individuals with proven track records in project management and supervision across a broad range of backgrounds and industries. Comprised exclusively of local talent, these individuals are familiar with our area and its resources. With considerable talent and expertise to their credit and a wealth of established business contacts, they are sure to be an immediate asset to your organization and customers! Complete resumes can be provided by the Niagara WorksourceOne (call 278-8109) or feel free to directly contact the professional of interest to your organization.