Why Create a Work Experience Position?
A work-experience position is a work or service experience in which a student or jobseeker of any age or experience level participates at a worksite as an active team member contributing to meaningful projects.
- A “try before you buy” advantage: Get to know potential job candidates before hiring them, and take advantage of the opportunity to train them to your specific company culture and expectations;
- Reduced turnover and need for re-training: Entry-level workers who begin as a work experience start full-time positions “ready-to-go.” The worker is fully aware of the expectations and responsibilities of the job. Work experience is a cost-saver for employers who otherwise may hire new employees who may not be a good fit in the long term.
- Immediate, focused time on specific projects: Participants can bring new energy and insights to your team. They are perfect for projects that need to get out the door or longer-term projects that need focused time.
- More time for senior staff to devote to advanced projects: Placements can play a key role in allowing senior staff to focus on big sales, higher impact, and more advanced projects.
- Leadership experience for your existing staff: Work experience placements need mentors and supervisors. Quality mentoring enhances the participant’s success and is an excellent opportunity for your existing staff to gain management experience.
- ESWC matches participants to your specific industry or organization’s needs.
- Participants undergo assessment and job readiness training before placement.
- Case managers at ESWC provide ongoing administrative support and guidance to ensure a successful experience. Participants receive career guidance and have access to supportive services.
Why use On-the-Job Training (OJT)?
Your organization provides employee training to every person you hire. By hiring an ESWC participant, and utilizing On-the-Job Training, a percentage of the employee’s gross wage is reimbursable during a specified agreement period.
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is available to employers who hire eligible individuals.
- Off-site training costs, if applicable, may also be covered.
Why create a Registered Apprenticeship?
The registered apprenticeship (RA) model allows employers to build a workforce trained to meet their specific skill needs. Registered apprenticeships offer a flexible training solution that aligns your training with national and company-specific standards resulting in a well-skilled, well-rounded employee. The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprentice System is expanding the types of occupations and the number of opportunities in high-demand fields.
- Develop highly-skilled, highly productive employees
- Reduce turnover rates
- Increase productivity
- Lower recruitment costs
- Increase safety in the workplace
- Create a more diverse workforce and a new pool of workers
For more information, contact Jessi Norris, Work-Based Learning Navigator at jnorris@weld.gov.