Navigating
From Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) support to Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC), On-the-Job Training (OJT), and Apprenticeships, Coast Forward makes workforce programs, paperwork, and hiring incentives simple and effective.
Coast Forward Services by Program
WORKFORCE INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA)
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds are federal dollars, distributed through state and local workforce boards, that provide free job search services, training and education, supportive resources like childcare or transportation, and employer incentives through America’s Job Centers.
– Connect you with the correct Workforce Development Board (WDB) contact for your industry and county.
– Prepare and submit all required employer-side documentation.
– Assist with drafting job descriptions that meet WDB requirements.
– Coordinate with WDB staff to post open positions.
– Set up and manage hour reporting systems for WIOA participants.
– Track participant progress and ensure compliance with training plans.
– Prepare reimbursement schedules for wages and monitor payment timelines.
– Act as your liaison in meetings or communications with WDB case managers.
– Provide orientation to WIOA training and career services.
– Assist with eligibility steps (referral to WDB for official determination).
– Advise on career pathways supported by WIOA in Southern California (healthcare, IT, manufacturing, logistics, etc.).
– Connect you with funded training opportunities (tuition assistance, certifications).
– Guide you in preparing the documents required by WDBs.
– Help you understand participant obligations (attendance, reporting, milestones).
WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDITS (WOTC)
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal incentive that reduces an employer’s income tax when they hire qualified people from designated target groups facing employment barriers, such as veterans, long term unemployed, SNAP or TANF recipients, and individuals with prior convictions.
– Educate employers on how WOTC works and which target groups qualify (veterans, ex-felons, long-term unemployed, SNAP recipients, etc.).
– Screen candidates for potential WOTC eligibility.
– Guide you through completion of IRS Form 8850 (Pre-Screening Notice) and Form 9061 (Individual Characteristics).
– Submit forms to the state workforce agency within the required 28-day window.
– Track status of certifications with the state agency.
– Provide estimated tax credit values ($2,400–$9,600 per hire) based on eligibility.
– Organize and archive WOTC documentation for compliance and audit purposes.
– Explain how being part of a WOTC-eligible group increases employability.
– Help you highlight WOTC eligibility during applications and interviews.
– Provide documentation support so employers can easily submit your WOTC forms.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT)
The On-the-Job Training (OJT) program reimburses employers for a portion of a new hire’s wages during a defined training period, allowing businesses to teach needed skills at the worksite while the employee earns and learns, with support coordinated through local workforce boards.
– Identify roles within your company eligible for OJT wage reimbursement.
– Develop structured training plans tailored to the role.
– Complete all OJT contracts and agreements with the Workforce Development Board.
– Manage documentation of hours worked and training progress.
– Submit reimbursement requests on schedule (typically 50% of wages for a set training period).
– Track payments and resolve issues with WDB staff.
– Act as a go-between with program monitors or case managers.
– Match you with employers offering OJT opportunities.
– Explain the benefits of OJT: earning while learning and gaining experience.
– Prepare you for interviews with OJT-participating employers.
– Guide you in fulfilling your OJT reporting requirements.
– Provide ongoing advising during the training period to help you succeed.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships are paid, employer-led programs that combine structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, lead to industry-recognized credentials and wage growth, and help employers build talent while workers earn and learn.
– Consult on the design of registered apprenticeship programs.
– Assist with Department of Labor registration.
– Support GI Bill® certification for veteran apprentices.
– Help you develop structured training and mentorship plans.
– Coordinate with community colleges, unions, or trade associations for classroom components.
– Provide templates for apprenticeship standards and agreements.
– Maintain compliance documentation and reporting.
– Guide you in scaling apprenticeship programs across multiple job classifications.
– Provide advising throughout the apprenticeship to help you balance classroom and on-the-job learning.
– Educate you on the value of apprenticeships (paid training + industry credentials).
– Identify apprenticeship programs in your region and industry.
– Assist veterans in accessing GI Bill® housing stipends and benefits while apprenticing.
– Support application preparation for apprenticeship positions.
Why Employers Should Partner With Coast Forward
Coast Forward acts as a consultant and liaison — not a staffing agency, benefit provider, or career advisor. For each program (WIOA, WOTC, OJT, Apprenticeships), we handle the paperwork, documentation, training plans, reimbursement schedules, and communication with Workforce Boards, while also advising and preparing job seekers to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed information about Coast Forward, please feel free to review our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.