Larkin Announces $2m For Veterans Workforce Training

This week, Senator Bill Larkin reports to residents that the state is dedicating $2 million for the new Reemployment Services for Veterans Program (RSVP) designed to provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) for unemployed and underemployed honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty on or after March 1, 2003.

"The training will give this most recent crop of young veterans better employment opportunities as well as support to businesses that hire them into full-time positions," said Senator Larkin. "As these exceptional individuals come home after serving our nation in the War on Terror, we must make sure they have the tools they need to earn a living and provide for their families. At the same time, we should help more employers learn about the value of hiring veterans and reward the businesses that do."

OJT provides reimbursement to the employer of up to 50% of the wage rate of the participant for the costs of providing the training and any additional supervision needed. 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.