Keystone Works Connects Workers with Hiring Employers
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has signed legislation designed to help connect unemployed Pennsylvanians with employers who are looking for new hires. Keystone Works provides an opportunity for unemployed workers to receive training with an employer while continuing to receive unemployment compensation benefits.
The Keystone Works program also gives employers the incentive to hire trainees once their training is complete. The program allows unemployment compensation claimants to receive training directly from an employer looking for people to fill openings in high priority occupations. High priority occupations are those which are in demand by employers, usually require higher level skills and likely provide higher wages.
During the training period, the employer will not provide any compensation to the workers, who will continue to receive their unemployment compensation benefits. At the conclusion of the training period the employer will receive a monetary incentive when the employer hires the unemployed, newly-trained worker. "This program keeps unemployed workers connected to the workforce," Corbett explained. "It provides employers with trained employees. It gives everybody a chance at training in the fields where jobs exist."
Keystone Works requires that all training programs be approved by the Department of Labor & Industry and that they are consistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Participating businesses are also required to provide a maximum of 24 hours of training a week for up to eight weeks. Employers who elect to hire the worker after training will receive monetary incentives in the amount of $375 for every four weeks the new hire is employed up to a total of $1,500.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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