Virgin Islands Department of Labor

Official Government of the Virgin Islands Website

RESTORING FUTURES INITIATIVE

A Workforce Development effort to bring together workers with employers through On-the-Job Training for good jobs throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Restoring Futures is funded by a $4,997,845 National Dislocated Worker Grant awarded to ICF by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Partners include the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, and Virgin Islands Workforce Development Board. Workforce 180 is providing employer engagement services.

Industries

All employers, including for-profit commercial firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, are encouraged to participate and benefit from Restoring Futures.

Eligible Dislocated Workers

•A dislocated worker is an individual who lost their job through no fault of their own;

•A long-term unemployed individual;

•An individual who is temporarily or permanently laid off as a consequence of the emergency or disaster; or,

•An individual who is self-employed and becomes unemployed or significantly underemployed as a result of the emergency or disaster.

Description of On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Through an OJT contract with ICF, employers train the employee on the job and are provided a direct reimbursement of a trainee’s hourly starting wage. Reimbursement is based upon a percentage of the trainee’s wages (excluding tips, overtime, workers compensation and other fringe benefits) are reimbursed to the employer. Employers with under 100 employees are eligible for 75% of wages paid to the trainee during the OJT. Employers with 100 or more employees are eligible for 50% wage reimbursement. OJT may be coupled with short-term Customized Training where necessary. There is an expectation that the employer will retain the trainee after the training period has ended. The contract is limited to the time required for the individual to become proficient in the occupation of training, not to exceed six months.

Are you an employer looking for employees?

Interested employers should contact Mr. Adyrann Glenn, Restoring Futures Employer Services, at Glenn@Workforce180.com and 340-513-8767.

Are you a job seeker looking for a job?

Interested dislocated workers should contact Ms. Evelyn Turnbull, Restoring Futures St. Thomas Employability Consultant, at emt@evelynturnbull.com and 770-733-0131.

Do you need more information about the Virgin Islands Department of Labor?

Interested individuals should contact Ms. Charlene M. Hodge, American Job Center Administrator, at cmhodge@vidol.gov and 340-776-3700.

Additional information can be found at the following links:

Restoring Futures Project Details

Employer Intake Form

How OJT Works

Restoring Futures OJT Facts Sheet

Employer Listening Session PPT Slides

Training Provider Listening Session PPT Slides