worker advancement initiative (WAI)
As part of a statewide multifaceted Worker Advancement Initiative (WAI), Forward Careers is seeking individuals with limited and/or nontraditional work histories to place into successful paid internships and on-the-job training opportunities.
Training Services
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Career Guidance and Job Readiness
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Placement into Paid Internships earning no less than $15.00 per hour
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Placement into On-the-Job Training Opportunities with local employers
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Supportive Services (i.e. transportation, work items, etc.)
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Cash Incentive Payments
Eligibility
For the purpose of the Worker Advancement Initiative, an individual will be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
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Is 17 years of age or older;
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Are eligible to work in the United States; and
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Can demonstrate one or more of the following:
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No work history;
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Less than 12 months of career goal-related relevant work history;
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A demonstrated pattern of frequent “job hopping”;
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A work history that lacks a clear career goal (e.g., work history spans multiple occupations and/or sectors);
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Limited tenure of no more than 12 months at any job; and/or
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The last day worked at the most recent job was at least 6 months ago.
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Click below to learn more about the WAI internship and OJT programs.
accelerate your career with a paid internship
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As an undergrad or entry-level professional with no or minimal work history, you can join a network of influential leaders looking to accelerate their careers through a paid internship. We have relationships with small to mid- and large-size employers across all industries that are seeking outstanding individuals to join their teams.
We provide career assessments, learn about your goals and interests, and then start matching you to an internship program where you can excel and make an impact. You can even tell us the employer you want an internship with and we will work our magic to make it happen!
BENEFITS
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Put your knowledge to the test in a live environment;
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Gain skills that propel you forward;
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Increase professional development skills;
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Expand your professional network;
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At minimum, earn $15 per hour;
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Receive work related supports such as transportation assistance and tools; and
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Receive cash incentive payments upon completion of set milestones.
PROGRAM
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Interns can work up to 40 hours per week for a maximum of 500 hours;
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Once matched, the employer can hire individuals directly;
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Interns are paid directly by the employer and we reimburse the employer upon completion of the internship program; and
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We monitor the internship by checking in with individuals on experience, progress and to assist in any areas, as needed.
Support for Employers with Internship Programs
If your organization hosts interns, Forward Careers can assist through referral support. Simply refer your interns to us before they begin their internship, and we’ll work with you to provide available resources.
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To learn more, contact our Business Solutions Team today.
BOOST YOUR SKILLS THROUGH AN ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
If you are unemployed, underemployed, have no or minimal work history and are interested in gaining skills through an On-the-Job Training program, we are here for you!
OJT offers the opportunity to learn new skills while earning a paycheck. Let us help you put your skills to good use by connecting you to hiring employers in a field of your interest and meets your financial needs.
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Our OJT program is an efficient way to move unemployed workers more quickly into jobs and provide them with transferable skills and a cost effective way to help local employers develop and retain the workers that they need.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
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Employer directly hires candidates;
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Earn while you learn;
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Learn about Registered Apprenticeship opportunities;
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Receive job coaching while in training;
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Receive work related supports such as transportation assistance and tools; and
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Receive cash incentive payments upon completion of set milestones.
Employer Benefits – On-the-Job Training (OJT)
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Lower Hiring & Training Costs: Offset expenses while building your workforce.
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Access to Qualified Candidates: We provide pre-screened applicants, and you choose who to hire.
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Training Reimbursement: On average, employers receive up to $4,500 in reimbursement for a percentage of wages during the agreed training period. The reimbursement rate is determined by business size, job complexity, and wage level.
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Interested in OJT or Internship Programs?
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Contact us to learn more about how Forward Careers can support your hiring and training needs.
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