During the recent WY Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committee meeting, the Dept. of Workforce Services made a presentation regarding on-the-job training programs, work experience programs and the several benefits for participants, employers and the workforce. Beginning the presentation, Christina West, Deputy Administrator of Employment and Training, stated that many employers are not aware of the several programs available to employers that recipricolly help juveniles, disabled workers and retraining workers to get and maintain employment. Here is the slide presentation delivered to the Committee: 
Work Based Learning Programs.
Work Based Learning Programs.On-the-job training (OJT) programs can pay up to 50% of the trainees wages. Also available are complimentary programs geared to educational support in schools and other assistance. There are also Work Experience (WEX) programs (reimbursable to 100% depending on the situation) that provide training and retraining for dislocated adult workers as well as youth programs. The Wyoming Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( a federal program) provides much of the support services complimenting OJT and WEX. All programs provide employability training for youth and transitional workers ... training that will let candidates know workplace expectations, and provide additional classroom training to aid in job readiness of the trainee. Each contract is tailored to the needs of the employer. Vocational Rehabilitation programs are also available for certain employment opportunities Here is an excellent website for information: Workforce Development Training Fund (wyomingworkforce.org).
Workforce Development Training Fund (wyomingworkforce.org).UPDATE: With respect to truck driver training programs, Shaye Moon, Business Training and Support Unit Program Manager at the Department of Workforce Services and Sharon Geissler, Workforce Development Training Fund, Program Lead, visited with staff and discussed truck driver training program nuances. While not one of the "preferred industries" as designated by the Wyoming Business Council...which means some grants are capped, there are definitely opportunities available for training support. Ms Moon and Geissler have agreed to provide an article for the Newsletter that is sort of a "Truck Driver Training Options 101" in the future. Staff will send this article out as a Special Report once received as well as in the Newsletter. A special "Thank you" to Shaye and Sharon for their assistance and all the DWS staff for all they do to connect workers and employers in Wyoming.
