Originally Posted - July 19, 2006

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ALBANY---Funds totaling $2 million have been earmarked for a Reemployment Services for Veterans Program (RSVP) designed to provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) funding opportunities for unemployed and underemployed honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty on or after March 1, 2003.

The training will give veterans in New York State access to career-ladder employment by providing support to businesses that hire or promote eligible veterans into full-time positions. Funding for the initiative comes from state-level funds under the Workforce Investment Act, administered by the New York State Department of Labor. The program offers employers an opportunity to do something for veterans while fulfilling their own business needs.

"New York's veterans have made enormous contributions to the people of the United States," Gov. George Pataki said. "This program honors their commitment by helping to provide our veterans greater opportunity to resume full and satisfying lives as they transition from the military back to civilian life."

OJT is training by an employer that is provided to a paid employee, while engaged in productive work, that: provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job; provides reimbursement to the employer of up to 50% of the wage rate of the participant for the costs of providing the training and additional supervision related to the training; and is limited in duration. The RSVP requires an employer match ranging from 50% to 75% of trainee wages, based upon the wage rate of the trainee. Individuals trained under the RSVP will be eligible to receive OJT for a maximum of 26 weeks.

Companies that are interested in applying for the Reemployment Services for Veterans Program (RSVP) must do so in accordance with the Request for Applications #9M - Reemployment Services for Veterans Program, which is available online at www.workforcenewyork.com. Contracts will be awarded for a period of up to one year, with a maximum funding level of $50,000 per organization. The OJT positions funded under this program must be for full-time, permanent employment (at least 35 hours per week). Applicants will be required to assure that they will utilize their local One-Stop Career Center to identify qualified prospective candidates for training.

For more information, call the New York State Department of Labor at 518-457-0380, or visit the Labor Department's web site at www.labor.state.ny.us 7-19-06

© 2006 North Country Gazette