In response to the 2025 closure of Pixelle and its impact on the local workforce, the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and the Area 20 Workforce Development Board are partnering to highlight a program that helps local businesses grow. On-the-Job Training (OJT) funds are available to employers who seek to offset the costs of hiring and training new staff, including dislocated workers from the paper mill. These funds are available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Benefits for Your Business:

• Significant Wage Reimbursement: Employers can be reimbursed for up to 50% of eligible employees’ wages during their training period.
  • Employee eligibility is determined at the local OhioMeansJobs Center before hiring. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., 18+ years of age, and properly registered for the selective service.
• Substantial Funding: Reimbursement is available for up to $8,500 per participant.
• Extended Training Support: The program covers up to 1,040 hours of training.

How to Qualify:

This program is open to public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit employers. To participate, new hires must be confirmed as eligible by the local OhioMeansJobs Center before they are officially hired. Eligible candidates include dislocated workers, such as those impacted by the Pixelle closure, as well as unemployed or underemployed adults.

For questions about On-the-Job Training and other OhioMeansJobs employer services, please contact Raeh Ledford at raeh.ledford2@jfs.ohio.gov.

Learn more here!