On-the-Job Training Program

1. The first step to participating in the program is to complete an employer application form . Based on the information you provide, NYSERDA will determine if you are eligible for the program. You will need to provide a few pieces of information about your organization including your Federal Employer Identification Number and a description of the role(s) you’re hoping to fill with the funding. See this reference page for the information needed to submit an employer application. If your organization is eligible, your information will be shared with the NYS Department Of Labor for a due diligence check.
2. Approved employers need to complete a new hire application to reserve funding for each new hire they would like to bring through the program. The New Hire Application includes a training plan specific to the new hire. New Hire Applications are submitted through the NYSERDA Portal.
   • Note: the program only accepts new employees. All new hire applications must be submitted to NYSERDA no later than 30 days after the new hire’s start date to be eligible for funding.
   • Guidance on developing a Training Plan can be found in the Preparing an On-the-Job Training Plan resources document.
3. Upon approval of the application for a new hire, NYSERDA reserves funding for the position.
4. After the new hire starts working, the employer submits reimbursement requests through an online portal to receive funds.

Guidance on the new hire application submission and invoicing processes can be found in the On-the-Job Training Business User Guides 

• Fixed payments for each hire issued at intervals two, four, six and twelve months after they start work.
• An additional payment when your hire earns an approved industry certification.
• Higher funding amounts for hires from a Priority Population of Disadvantaged Communities.
• All New York State employers can access the New York State Department of Labor’s Virtual Career Center 
  
  
  • No cost to find or contact candidates.
  • Swift identification of qualified candidates for your openings.
  • Direct communication with potential hires through the Virtual Career Center Platform.

The following table summarizes the reimbursement available:

A list of certifications eligible for reimbursement .

Employers with up to 100 employees may bring up to ten candidates into the program who are not part of a priority population and do not live in a Disadvantaged Community. Once an employer has hired ten candidates who are not from these groups, any additional candidates they bring into the program must come from a priority population or a Disadvantaged Community. Employers with 101 or more employees are only eligible to receive incentives when they hire residents of Disadvantaged Communities and Priority Populations.

For up-to-date definitions on priority populations and disadvantaged communities please visit the Definitions page.

NYSERDA verifies that individuals are residents of a disadvantaged community by collecting residency documentation and referencing this online map.

NYSERDA verifies priority population status (if applicable) based on acceptable documentation outlined here.

Employers must provide services in one or more the following technology areas to be eligible for program funding:

1. High efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) / Heat Pumps
2. High efficiency water heating
3. Insulation / weatherization
4. High efficiency lighting and controls
5. Building automation and controls
6. Smart grid
7. Energy storage
8. Building operations and maintenance
9. Grid-tied solar electric photovoltaics, solar thermal, and related areas
10. Offshore and land-based wind and related areas
11. Electric vehicle charging stations
12. Electric vehicles (manufacturing only)

If you have a question about the eligible technology areas, please contact [email protected].

Organizations who hired climate justice fellows through NYSERDA's PON 4772 can be approved through the OJT Program to hire those fellows at the conclusion of the fellowship term to extend their work on fellowship projects and initiatives.

Review the Program Summary for complete information on program processes and eligibility requirements.

To register as an eligible employer, please head to the online Contractor Application and have the following information ready.

The application will ask:

• Organization Name
• Organization Address
• Website
• Organization Electric Utility Service Provider
• Federal Employer Identification Number
• Existing NYSERDA partnership agreements or contracts (if applicable)
• Organization representative contact information
• Number of full-time W-2 employees
• Brief description of the general nature of the positions you plan to offer and how the new hire's jobs will relate to clean energy.

Following receipt of the Contractor Application, the NYSDOL will complete a due diligence review before NYSERDA approves eligible organizations.

For guidance materials about applying to the program, review the information here: OJT Program: Employer User Guides

Review the program documents and contact [email protected] with any questions.

My business is in one of the eligible categories. Are there any specific jobs not eligible for the program? Yes, NYSERDA will not provide reimbursement for office management, administrative assistants, drivers, or similar positions. NYSERDA will also not approve applications for experienced or senior level employees.