SHAHEEN AND COCHRAN INTRODUCE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING ACT

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) introduced legislation today that would help Americans find and keep employment through on-the-job training (OJT) programs.

“Today’s job market is changing rapidly and on-the-job training is an effective and efficient way to transition workers to new industries by giving them both a new job and new skills,” said Shaheen, a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “These programs are a cost-effective way to provide both training and a livable wage to workers who have fallen into unemployment. By working directly with employers, they exemplify the kind of public-private partnership our recovering economy needs.”

“On-the-job training programs are important for preparing workers for a changing and increasingly diverse job market.  Our legislation would provide enhanced resources for matching potential workers with employers who need qualified employees.  Mississippi is among the states that successfully use on-the-job training programs to ensure that industry, whether traditional or high-tech, has access to well-prepared workers,” Cochran said.

The On-the-Job Training Act of 2011 authorizes the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to establish and support local OJT programs.  OJT programs, which connect unemployed workers with jobs and provide employers with training subsidies, have a proven track record of helping unemployed workers gain new skills to find and retain employment. OJT programs also provide important incentives to small businesses to encourage job growth. The legislation is similar to a bill introduced by Shaheen and Cochran last year.

“I strongly support The On-the-Job Training Act of 2011 as a valuable way to get workers the training and jobs they need. Through on-the-job training, program participants gain workplace experience and have the opportunity to develop both the skills and personal relationships needed to get a job and keep it. I am grateful to Senators Shaheen and Cochran for their continued leadership,” said George Bald, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development.

The Shaheen-Cochran measure is also supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), CLASP, National Skills Coalition, Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW), New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES), New Hampshire Division of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES).

The bill is S. 1168.