GA · OJT

How Georgia OJT Reimbursement Actually Works for Employers

Georgia runs on-the-job training (OJT) through its local WorkSource Georgia workforce boards under WIOA, not through a separate state grant. You hire an eligible job seeker, sign an OJT contract with your board before the person starts, and the board reimburses part of the trainee's wages. TCSG says up to 50% of the wage rate. Federal rules allow up to 75% only when the board documents the reasons, so confirm the rate with your local board.

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State pre-filled: GA
Program type pre-filled: OJT

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HOW IT WORKS

Four steps, in this order.

1
Contact your local WorkSource Georgia board
2
Agree the trainee, job and training plan
3
Sign the OJT contract before the start date
4
Pay wages, then claim reimbursement

1 VERIFIED PROGRAM

Where the Georgia money comes from.

Run by Technical College System of Georgia, WorkSource Georgia (local workforce boards). Every figure is from an official page, linked on each card.

WIOA On-the-Job Training through your local WorkSource Georgia board

Up to 50% of wages, 75% in documented cases

THROUGH YOUR LOCAL BOARD

WHAT YOU GET

Reimbursement for the extra cost of training and supervising a new hire. You do not have to document those costs.

HOW MUCH

Up to 50% of the wage rate; up to 75% where the board documents the reason under federal rules. Boards set their own rates.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

Your company, as reimbursement of part of the trainee's wages.

WHO QUALIFIES

Trainee is an unemployed or underemployed adult who meets WIOA eligibility, 18 or older, authorized to work
Employer may need to show no recent layoffs
Board examples: operating in Georgia six months, tax compliant, full-time job at a competitive wage (Northwest Georgia)

Before you start: Yes. A signed contract with the board must be in place before OJT employment starts.

LOCAL BOARDS

Same program, different rules by board.

WorkSource Atlanta

Pages differ: the OJT page says up to 50% of wages, while the Training Support page says 50 to 75 percent by employer size. Confirm the current rate. You must commit to hire on successful completion.

SOURCE: WORKSOURCEATLANTA.ORG

WorkSource Northwest Georgia

Advertises 50 to 75 percent of wages; employers must have operated in Georgia at least six months and be tax compliant.

SOURCE: CAREERDEPOT.ORG

WorkSource Middle Georgia

Advertises up to 50% of the participant's wage.

SOURCE: MIDDLEGAWORKS.COM

WorkSource Heart of Georgia Altamaha

Advertises WIOA reimbursement of up to 50% of wages across its 17 counties.

SOURCE: WORKSOURCEHEARTOFGEORGIA.ORG

AVOID THESE

What gets Georgia OJT claims denied.

Starting the trainee before the OJT contract is signed.
SOURCE: WORKSOURCEATLANTA.ORG
Past OJT trainees not kept on as regular employees. Boards cannot contract with a pattern of this.
SOURCE: ECFR.GOV
Recent layoffs, which a board may ask you to disclose.
SOURCE: TCSG.EDU
Hiring someone who does not meet WIOA eligibility.
SOURCE: TCSG.EDU

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

Georgia OJT questions.

How much can I get back?

TCSG says up to 50% of the trainee's wage rate. Federal rules allow up to 75% only when the board documents the characteristics of participants, employer size and training quality. Rates above 50% vary by board.

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

Do I have to document my training costs?

No. Federal rules treat OJT payments as compensation for extraordinary costs and say employers are not required to document them.

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

Who finds the trainee?

The board can send you pre-screened applicants at no cost, and you decide who to hire.

SOURCE: TCSG.EDU

Is the work opportunity tax credit available too?

Not for people who start work after December 31, 2025, unless Congress renews it. The IRS says WOTC covers only wages for people who begin work on or before that date.

SOURCE: IRS.GOV

How we checked. Every fact on this page comes from a state agency, a local workforce board or federal regulation, read on September 30, 2026. Where a board publishes nothing, we say so instead of guessing. Programs and funding change often; confirm with the program before you commit. Written by Jason Meehl, founder of Reimbursa. Found an error? Email hello@reimbursa.com.

OTHER PROGRAMS IN GEORGIA

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