The Massachusetts Business Resource Team Information
Tax Incentives when hiring people with disabilities,"Fact Sheet"
U.S. Small Business Administration, Boston
On the Job Training (OJT) is a method of providing individualized occupational skills training for Dislocated Workers, Low Income Adults and Older Youth. The goal of the OJT program is to place participants in occupations that will enhance their prospects for long-term employment and will ultimately permit them to become self-sufficient. OJT involves the acquisition of specific skills and employment competencies, through exposure in an actual work setting, to the processes, work tasks, tools and methods of a specific job or group of jobs.
It is a “hire-first” program in which the employer, either public or private, enters into an agreement with the Career Center to hire, train, and retain the individual upon successful completion of the training program. Through this program, businesses may be reimbursed up to 50% of the new employee’s wages ( maximum as defined in local area's training cap) while they are in training. Because it is a “hire-first” program, OJT is only available to participants whose goal is immediate employment.
Other Quick Facts about OJT:
- Participants receive no less than the State minimum wage
- Training participants must meet WIA eligibility criteria (see Eligibility below)
- Employers must be established businesses with workers compensation insurance
- Participating employers receive a reimbursement to cover the extraordinary costs of training and supervision as well as to compensate for expected lower productivity of the trainee vs. a more experienced employee
OJT Trainee Eligibility:
In order to meet WIA eligibility requirements for OJT,
potential trainees must be identified as economically disadvantaged Adults,
Older Youth or must qualify as a Dislocated Worker.
For more information about On the Job Training,
contact Michael Herrick, Career Center Director
Workforce Training Fund Information
Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund application process, including the General Fund, the Express Program and the Hiring Incentive Training Grant. Need assistance, e-mail bemanuel@berkshireworks.org or call (413) 499-2220 ext.111 or contact the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request Form WOTC FORM 8850
BerkshireWorks provides information on federal tax credit options for businesses hiring individuals from targeted groups. Need assistance, e-mail bemanuel@berkshireworks.org or call (413) 499-2220 ext.111 to learn more.
Access to Computerized Talent Bank
BerkshireWorks provides access to an online resume bank and information on job applicants. Review resumes of job seekers and make contact with applicants through TalentQuest.
Looking for the Best—Hire a Vet
Many employers are discovering the option of hiring new veterans, now separating or retiring due to downsizing of military services. Today’s military service members are extremely well trained, educated, and highly motivated. The military’s higher enlistment standards mean that over 90% of recruits have a high school diploma or have completed some higher education. Recruits must also be in excellent health and have a clean police record.
Veterans are Well Trained
Employers in today’s swiftly changing world know that worker trainability is often the key to success. Since rigorous in-service training is a regular feature of military preparedness, service members have learned to absorb instruction quickly. They have been trained to be trainable. Indeed, today’s new veterans will have spent one-quarter of their military careers either as students or instructors in their various specialties.
Veterans are Experienced and Computer Literate
In addition to rigorous training, these new military veterans have sophisticated and up-to-date work experience in hundreds of occupational specialties, many of which require them to be computer literate. The military has traditionally encouraged its service members to take advantage of continuous education programs. Indeed, over 95% of officers possess baccalaureate degrees and 35% have earned a masters degree or higher. A significant number of non-commissioned officers have earned their associates’ or bachelor’s degrees.
For more information on how Veterans can support your business needs, contact jquinones@detma.org or dnash@detma.org
Assistance with Pre-Layoff Seminars
BerkshireWorks offers customized outplacement services for organizations experiencing layoffs, downsizing and relocation. Services include information, counseling and assisting workers in the reemployment process.
Community Resource Information
BerkshireWorks partners with a variety of organizations and agencies, such as the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation, the City of Pittsfield, and the City of North Adams which can connect your company to available community resources.
Career Fairs and Job Fairs
BerkshireWorks hosts job and career fairs enabling employers to recruit for job openings from hundreds of applicants. We can also host your special event on or website.
The Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network (EARN) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). It is the nation’s premier provider of free disability consulting and candidate placement support services for employment service providers.
Local Job Postings and National Listings
Employment openings can be posted on the Massachusetts One Stop Employment System and America's Job Bank, making them accessible to thousands of job seekers. To have your job opening listed, download the Job Posting Request Form, complete it and send it to BerkshireWorks by mail or fax (413) 447-7350, or contact us for more information.You will need Acrobat Reader to download this form. If your computer does not have Reader, you can download it for free.
Labor Market Information
BerkshireWorks has access to labor market information including links to prevailing industry wages, employment data by community, and other state and national trends regarding employment and the labor market. Click here for the most up-to-date statistics.
Marketing your Company to Job Seekers
BerkshireWorks offers innovative marketing to help your business reach prospective employees, including direct mailings, posting flyers, distribute job postings throughout BerkshireWorks and online using this "Website", and will host onsite or offsite job fairs.
Onsite Recruiting and Events
BerkshireWorks offers onsite recruitment sessions and informational events. We can coordinate all facets including screening and matching of qualified candidates, testing for specific skill levels, scheduling and use of our interview or conference rooms and equipment, and provide staff to assist from beginning to end.
Seminars
BerkshireWorks provides seminars and networking forums for employers and human resource professionals including, training grant information, labor market information, disability incentives and accommodations, unemployment insurance related topics, and more.
Massachusetts Child Labor Laws
On January 3, 2007, significant amendments were made to the Massachusetts Child Labor Laws, M.G.L. c. 149, §§53-105. These amendments were effective immediately. The amendments affect minors’ working hours, provide for certain additional required supervision, streamline the work permit process, strengthen existing criminal penalties and also allow for civil penalties in the event of violations.
As a result of this legislation, there is now a single application and permit process for all teen workers ages 14-17. All teens under 18 years of age must complete a work permit application and obtain a work permit before starting a new job. For a complete summary of the Massachusetts laws regulating child labor, including the recent changes, click here.
Youth Rules, a guide from the U.S. Department of Labor
The YouthRules web page is a gateway providing quick access to information about Federal and State labor laws that apply to young workers. The web page includes information designed to educate teens, parents, educators and employers about the hours youth can work, the jobs youth can do, and how to prevent workplace injuries.
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER USERRA (poster) pdf.format
Poster Requirements
U.S. and Massachusetts laws require employers to display certain posters and notices at their worksites, click here to download required posters.
Contact us for more information or to make an appointment with an Business Services Representative.
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