FAQs

Applicants:

• Is WIOA Youth the same program as YouthWorks?
  

  No. While both programs operate under Montgomery County Youth Career Services, they serve different age groups:
  –YouthWorks serves in-school youth ages 14-18
  –WIOA Youth serves out-of-school youth ages 16-24

  Both programs provide workforce preparation activities aligned with the 14 Elements of Service, helping young people build skills for education and employment.

• How do I apply for WIOA Youth?

  Your Journey begins with completing the WIOA Youth Survey: Click Here  
  Please ensure all information provided on the survey is current.
  After submission:
  – A WIOA staff member will contact you for a prescreen.
  – You’ll attend an information session.
  – Eligible individuals will compete program intake and enrollment.

• What other resources are available?
  

  If WIOA Youth is not the right fit, these additional services may be helpful:
  – YouthWorks program for in school youth, aged 14+ here. 
  – The WIOA Adult Program for individuals  aged 25+ here. Adult Program Orientations:

• Business Solutions Center – 1435 Cincinnati St., Dayton,  OH 45417
  Monday – Thursday at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. (promptly)
• Employment Opportunity Center – 4303 W. Third St., Dayton, OH 45417
  Monday – Thursday at 1 p.m. (promptly)
  
  No appointment is required at each location.

  Additionally, services are available  at the Job Bank, also located at 1435 Cincinnati St. Dayton, OH 45417. Office hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Participants:

• How long does a participant remain active in the program?

  From  the time a participant engages in one of the 14-elements of service, they have 2 years of eligibility with WIOA Youth. Once self sufficiency is obtained through education and employment, the exiting process begins. Participants receive 12 months of follow-up services during exit.

• How does WIOA Youth assist Participant(s) in navigating their career pathway?
  

  Participants work one-on-one  with dedicated WIOA Youth staff to develop an individualized career plan. This includes:
  – Exploring labor market information
  – Understanding education and credential requirements
  – Identifying career pathways and in-demand industries
  Participants are connected to education, work experiences and supportive services designed to remove barriers  and support long term success.

• What ways can a participant obtain employment through WIOA Youth?
  

  WIOA Youth offers a range of paid and unpaid work experiences aligned with the 14 elements of service. through partnerships with employers across Montgomery County, participants gains hands-on training tied to their career goals.Work experiences are subsidized, with WIOA Youth serving as the employer of record and covering participant wages through county funding. As participants build skills and earn industry-recognized credentials, the goal is transition into full-time, unsubsidized employment.On-the-Job Training (OJT) provides an additional pathway, allowing employers to hire WIOA Youth-eligible participants as regular employees while receiving reimbursement for initial training-costs.

Employers: 

• In what ways can an employer engage with WIOA Youth and its participants?

  Employers can engage with the WIOA Youth program in several ways:
  – Host Subsidized work experiences funded through WIOA Youth.
  – Hire WIOA Youth-eligible talent and receive reimbursement for initial training costs through the On-the-Job (OJT) program.
  – Collaborate on training or educational initiatives.
  – Refer prospective candidates into the WIOA Youth Program.

• What is the difference between Work Experience (WEP) and On-The-Job Training (OJT)?

  Work Experience is subsidized employment, where WIOA youth is the employer of record. This means the BWC and wages are covered by WIOA Youth and not the employer.On-The-Job training is un-subsidized employment where the employer has hired on the employee and is the Employer of record. As the employer maintains BWC and wages. However , being an OJT employer allows for reimbursement of wages through WIOA Youth funding.

• What are the eligibility requirements for a Work Experience Employer?

  Learn more about offering subsidized Work Experience opportunities through WIOA Youth: Click here           

• What are the eligibility requirements for an On-the-Job Training Employer?
  

  Discover how OJT can help you train and retain young talent: WIOA Youth OJT  

• How long does On the Job Training(OJT) last?

  OJT can last for up to 6 months or 1040 working hours; whichever comes first. However, every position is qualified for 6 months of training. The duration of each approved training plan depends on the occupation and duties as reviewed and determined by WIOA Youth.

• Is every new employee eligible for OJT benefits?

  No. OJT participants must meet WIOA Youth eligibility requirements, which our team will determine. Additionally:
  – OJT funds cannot be used for existing employees
  – Eligibility applies only to newly hired, WIOA-eligible youth

• How do I find comparable services for a prospective employee over the age of 24?

  Yes. Employers seeking similar services for individuals aged 25 and older can connect with WIOA Adult Services through Project HIRE: WIOA Project HIRE