The Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board's (SWWDB) On-The-Job Training (OJT) program is designed to benefit both the employee and the business that hires them. It has worked out that way in almost all cases, and the successful bonding of Scot Forge of Clinton and Victor Burrington is but one example how both can benefit.

The 42-year-old Burrington, of Shopiere, started working at Scot Forge at the end of March, 2011 as a CNC (Computer Numerically Controller) Operator. He actually was recruited while still attending Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) classes, where he earned his CNC diploma. He is extremely happy to be working at Scot Forge. "It is a great place to work, and it appears there is ample opportunity for advancement," he said. He mainly programs machines to form and produce metal and machine parts.

His initial employment was considered a type of internship, but he is now a regular, full-time employee. He utilized Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) and Dislocated Worker funds to cover his schooling costs. He was laid off from Lear Seating, where he had worked for 16 years. Prior to that, he had worked for Newco Welding in Janesville for about four years, and prior to that, Custom Manufacturing, just down the street from Scot Forge, for about three years.

"School was different. At first I didn't feel like I fit in, but after I knew what was expected of me, it was much better than I initially thought it would be," Victor said. "The OJT people came to me at BTC about participating in the program, and it sounded very good. It certainly has been," he explained.

The OJT program is a method through which the employment of WIA (Workforce Investment Act)-eligible persons is encouraged by offering partial wage reimbursement to employers for extraordinary costs incurred while training a new employee and during the period in which the employee may not be fully productive. It is a training program, not a subsidy. Positions must be full-time and the employer must agree to retain OJT employees for at least six months after the contract ends.

 "This is a perfect example of how the OJT program works," said Eric Kuznacic, Employer and Business Services Manager for the SWWDB. "Scot Forge saw promise in Victor, even though he did not fully meet the job's qualifications upon hire. The company was able to offset their training costs and Victor was able to secure employment immediately upon his graduation from BTC-it's a win-win situation for everyone," he added.

Earlier this month, Deputy Secretary, Reggie Newson, was appointed as Secretary of DWD. Newson is excited to work with workforce partners to aid in creating jobs in the private sector along with filling current openings. Before coming to DWD in August, the Secretary was an Executive Assistant for the Department of Transportation, one of three top leadership positions in the organization.

Effective November 21st Jonathan Barry was appointed DWD Deputy Secretary.
"Jonathan Barry has many years of experience as a farmer, entrepreneur, business executive, non-profit director, public sector manager, and elected official," Secretary Newson said. "His extensive background will be instrumental to our agency's ongoing efforts to strengthen our state's workforce development system and advance Governor Walker's job creation agenda."