SC · OJT

How South Carolina OJT Reimbursement Actually Works for Employers

South Carolina has no separate state OJT program. On-the-job training runs under WIOA through your local SC Works workforce area. You hire an eligible new worker under a contract with the board, and the board reimburses part of the trainee's wages while the person learns the job: up to 50% of the wage rate, and up to 75% in certain circumstances. Each local board sets its own rates and rules, so call yours before you hire.

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

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HOW IT WORKS

Four steps, in this order.

1
Call your local SC Works center and ask for the business services team
2
Agree the new hire, job and training plan, and sign the OJT contract
3
Pay the trainee as usual during the training period
4
Send payroll records to the board and receive the reimbursement

1 VERIFIED PROGRAM

Where the South Carolina money comes from.

Run by SC Department of Employment and Workforce (policy) and your local SC Works workforce board (contracts and payment). Every figure is from an official page, linked on each card.

WIOA On-the-Job Training through your local SC Works board

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

THROUGH YOUR LOCAL BOARD

WHAT YOU GET

Reimbursement of part of the new employee's wages during the training period. You do not have to document your extra training costs.

HOW MUCH

Up to 50% of the wage rate, and in certain circumstances up to 75%. Federal rules let the board go to 75% based on participant barriers, employer size, and the quality of the training.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

The employer, as a reimbursement. The trainee is paid wages by the employer as usual.

WHO QUALIFIES

The trainee must be a WIOA eligible customer approved by the board
Wages, benefits and working conditions must match those of similar employees
Boards will not contract with an employer that has a pattern of not keeping past OJT trainees on as regular employees
Mainly for new hires. Already-employed workers only where the board allows it and the person is not earning a self-sufficient wage

Before you start: Yes. OJT is provided under a contract with the board. Confirm timing with your board before the person starts.

LOCAL BOARDS

Same program, different rules by board.

SC Works Trident

Offers OJT for dislocated workers and other WIOA eligible customers, aimed at in-demand occupations. No rate is published on the page read.

SOURCE: SCWORKSTRIDENT.ORG

SC Works Pee Dee

Publishes the state rates (50%, up to 75% in certain circumstances) and lists a staff contact and an OJT brochure.

SOURCE: SCWORKSPEEDEE.ORG

AVOID THESE

What gets South Carolina OJT claims denied.

A history of not keeping past OJT trainees on as regular employees.
SOURCE: ECFR.GOV
Paying OJT trainees less or on worse terms than similar employees.
SOURCE: ECFR.GOV
Asking for a longer contract than the job needs.
SOURCE: ECFR.GOV
Putting a worker who does not meet WIOA eligibility on OJT.
SOURCE: SCWORKSTRIDENT.ORG

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

South Carolina OJT questions.

How much of a new hire's wages will South Carolina reimburse?

Up to 50% of the wage rate, and in certain circumstances up to 75%. Your local board decides which applies.

SOURCE: SCWORKS.ORG

Do I have to prove what the training cost me?

No. The payment is treated as compensation for the extra cost of training and lower productivity. You document hours and wages, not those costs.

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

Can I use OJT for someone already on my payroll?

Only in limited cases. Federal rules allow it when the worker is not earning a self-sufficient wage and the training involves new technology, new procedures or a move to a job needing more skills. Your board sets its own policy.

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

How long can an OJT contract last?

Only as long as the trainee needs to become proficient in the occupation. The board weighs the job's skill level and the person's experience.

SOURCE: ECFR.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 SOUTH CAROLINA

Reimbursa monitors workforce-reimbursement programs across every state and writes machine-checkable rules packs that prevent claim rejections. See membership pricing.