Training Programs and Incentives

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal income tax credit that provides incentives to private for-profit employers to encourage the hiring of individuals from certain targeted groups of jobseekers who traditionally have difficulty finding employment.

WOTC Targeted Groups:

• Qualified Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Recipients
• Qualified Veterans/Disabled Veterans
• Qualified Unemployed Veterans
• Qualified Ex-offenders
• Qualified Designated Community Residents (residing in an Empowerment Zone)
• Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals
• Qualified Summer Youth (residing in an Employment Zone)
• Qualified Food Stamp Recipients
• Qualified Supplemental Security Income Recipients
• Qualified Long-term Family Assistance Recipients

The Federal Bonding Program is an incentive program that allows employers to hire at-risk job applicants with limited liability. A Federal Fidelity Bond is a business insurance policy that insures the employer for theft, forgery, larceny or embezzlement by the bonded employee.

Eligibility Requirements

At-risk job applicants are:

• Ex-offenders
• Recovering substance abusers (alcohol or drugs)
• Welfare recipients and other persons having poor financial credit, or who have declared bankruptcy
• Economically disadvantaged youth and adults who lack a work history
• Individuals dishonorably discharged from the military
• Anyone who cannot secure employment without bonding services

Bridges the skills gap associated with hiring qualified new employees through onsite employer provided training

Provides industry and employer specific knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential to maximizing the efficiency and safety of the employee

Wage reimbursements, up to 50% for six months, are paid directly to the employer to help offset the initial training and supervision costs

Employer driven, structured “earn while you learn” education and training program for qualified new and existing employees

On the Job Training bridges the skills gap through onsite employer provided training. Wage reimbursements, up to 50% for six months, are paid directly to the employer

Technical instruction may occur at the place of employment, at a local technical college, or through an online program. The cost of instruction may be covered by CareerSource Okaloosa Walton or the employer, but cannot be paid by the employee

Apprentices are required to receive structured wage increases with demonstrated technical skills upgrades and enhanced knowledge

Apprenticeships must result in a nationally recognized industry credential or certificate

Employer driven, structured “earn while you learn” education and training program for qualified new and existing employees

On the Job Training bridges the skills gap through onsite employer provided training. Wage reimbursements, up to 50% for six months, are paid directly to the employer

Technical instruction may occur at the place of employment, at a local technical college, or through an online program. The cost of instruction may be covered by CareerSource Okaloosa Walton or the employer, but cannot be paid by the employee

CareerSource Okaloosa Walton is partnering with local military installations to match qualified Transitioning Service Members with training and development opportunities to meet your specific workforce needs.

Approved individuals can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to complete an internship opportunity at NO cost with an approved industry partner.

What are the Benefits?

• Generates connections to skilled and trained candidates
• Access to candidates with active security clearance
• Individualized training to match your models and needs
• Worker’s Compensation provided by the DoD
• Simple process, minimal paperwork
• Service members will continue receiving their normal active-duty salary and benefits while training with approved organizations

Note: FLSA Approved Unpaid Internships

What is the Process?

• Already an Approved DoD SkillBridge Sponsor?
  • Register to participate and receive participant referrals by providing job titles/descriptions
  • Receive Service Member referrals
  • Interview potential interns
• ​How to Become an Approved DoD SkillBridge Sponsor
  • ​Create a Training plan. If one is not available, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton has a template that can be used.
  • Submit created Training Plan to vets@careersourceow.com
  • Local Veteran Employment Representative (LVER) team will review submitted Training Plan(s) before forwarding to Florida DEO Veteran’s program for application to the DoD SkillBridge program.

What is the Duration of the Internship?

The duration of the training is based on service member’s needs as approved by their commander (usually no more than 6 months or 180 days)

Why should I partner with CareerSource Okaloosa Walton?

Our team of specialized Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVERs) understand your talent needs. We provide career guidance to Transitioning Service Members by helping them identify career goals and translate their military skills to match your job requirements. We vet candidates before connecting them with training or employment opportunities to guarantee the ideal match.

Our industry partners get priority of candidate referrals!

How can a Business get Added to the List of Available Internship Opportunities?

Contact our team of Local Veteran Employment Representatives by calling (850) 833-7587 ext. 2110 or 2115, or by email vets@careersourceow.com and get started!

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Program

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) grant offers partial reimbursement to established for-profit businesses for expenses related to skills upgrade training of existing full-time employees. This business-driven grant program is flexible to meet training objectives. Public, private or in-house training providers may be used based on the type of training.

Quick Response Training (QRT)

FloridaFlex, administered by CareerSource Florida, offers partial reimbursement to relocating or expanding businesses for expenses related to training new or existing employees after jobs have been created or retained and the training has occurred.

To learn more about the State or Local Training Funding Opportunities, please contact our Business Services team.