> This is the markdown version of https://www.classet.ai/blog/wioa-and-training-reimbursements-for-employers
> Learn more at https://www.classet.ai



![Employer training new employee with WIOA funding](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.basehub.com%2Fe0b5701f%2Fb8c27adb7f8c394c0c4d9f4fea626cc9%2Fcareer-exploration-for-students.jpg&w=3840&q=75)

# Get Paid to Train: How Employment Funding Works for Employers

How employers can use WIOA funding to offset training costs, access reimbursements for new hires, and set up On-The-Job Training programs.

[![Gino Rooney](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.basehub.com%2Fe0b5701f%2F0db35941dd672514cc535a754faae03e%2F1.png%3Fwidth%3D100%26height%3D100%26quality%3D100&w=96&q=75)

Gino RooneyCEO & Co-Founder at Classet

](/blog/authors/gino-rooney)

October 16, 2023

Hiring Tips

**Summary:** The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) can reimburse employers 50-90% of training costs for new hires. Through American Job Centers, you can recover $11,500+ per employee while evaluating trainees before committing long-term.

Most employers don't know they can get paid to train new workers. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers significant reimbursement opportunities that too few companies take advantage of.

## Understanding WIOA

WIOA channels roughly $10 billion annually into training and education, serving an estimated 20 million Americans each year. It simplifies access to career services through American Job Centers (AJCCs), reducing the bureaucratic friction job seekers previously faced.

## Why Employers Should Care

Key benefits include:

-   **Reimbursement for On-The-Job Training (OJT):** Recover a significant portion of new-hire training costs
-   **Try-before-you-hire:** Evaluate trainees in real roles before committing long-term, while being reimbursed
-   **Trainee support services:** AJCCs may provide stipends, gas cards, and career coaching to participants

## Sample Reimbursement Scenario

**Company:** BrickBuddy Builders | **5 employees @ $23/hr**

Program

Calculation

Total

WIOA

50% × $23 × 200 hrs × 5

**$11,500**

ARPA (up to 90%)

Higher reimbursement rate

**$20,700**

That's over $11,000 in training costs recovered, and potentially much more under certain programs.

## Setting Up an OJT Program

Unlike apprenticeships, OJT programs require minimal setup. Many AJCCs actively seek employer partnerships, even large retailers have participated successfully. The process typically involves:

1.  Contact your local American Job Center
2.  Establish an OJT agreement
3.  Receive pre-screened candidates
4.  Train them while getting reimbursed

## Candidate Eligibility

AJCCs evaluate applicants based on economic status, demographics, and employment history. About half of applicants typically come from employer referrals, meaning you can refer candidates you've already identified and still access the funding.

## Key Takeaway

For employers willing to get through the paperwork, WIOA offers meaningful financial relief and access to a resource-supported workforce pipeline. The setup effort pays for itself many times over in training cost recovery and reduced hiring risk.

[![Gino Rooney](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.basehub.com%2Fe0b5701f%2F0db35941dd672514cc535a754faae03e%2F1.png%3Fwidth%3D100%26height%3D100%26quality%3D100&w=128&q=75)

Gino Rooney

CEO & Co-Founder at Classet

Gino is a repeat founder who previously led BlueCrew as CEO, and now builds AI-powered hiring tools designed to improve outcomes for both candidates and employers. He started Classet on the belief that better recruiting starts with a better candidate experience.

](/blog/authors/gino-rooney)

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