Finding qualified candidates and investing in their onboarding and training can take significant time and resources. A challenge we hear frequently from employers. What if you could expand your workforce while cutting these costs? The Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) offers free programs that help businesses save resources while accessing a talented pool of workers with disabilities.
Ready to learn how BRS can help your business save money?
Contact us today and a workforce counselor will show you how our programs work.
1. Try Before You Hire with No-Cost Work Trials
Interviews only tell you so much about a candidate. With BRS's Trial Program, you can see workers perform the actual job before making a hiring decision. Your business pays nothing during the trial period. BRS handles all payroll, wages, and workers' compensation through the trial. You set the schedule and job tasks. If the candidate performs well, you can hire them. If not, there's no cost to your business.
This program reduces the risk of choosing the wrong person for the job.
2. Train New Employees at No Cost to You
Training new workers costs money and takes time. BRS's Wage Reimbursement Program solves this problem by reimbursing your business up to 130% of the wages you pay during the training period. That means no financial risk during the training period.
Most reimbursement periods last one to three months, depending on the job and the skills needed. Your business gets a fully trained employee while saving money on training costs.
3. Earn Money for Training Time
When you assign someone to train a new employee one-on-one, that trainer's time costs your business money. BRS offers a Trainer Rate Program that reimburses businesses for the one-on-one time spent training new hires. This means you can provide quality training without worrying about the cost of taking experienced workers away from their regular duties. This option helps ensure critical skills and knowledge are passed on when seasoned employees retire or advance while developing internal trainers and future leaders.
Your Workforce Counselor will work with you to determine the reimbursement amount based on your specific situation. Contact BRS to learn more about how this program can benefit your business.
4. Access Customized Training Programs
Need employees with specific skills? The Industry Specific Training and Placement Program (ISTPP) creates custom training for your business. BRS works with you to identify the exact knowledge and skills you need. The training can happen in a classroom, on the job, or both.
Your business tells BRS what positions you need to fill and what skills are required. BRS works with you to develop a training program that meets your company's standards and gets workers ready for your specific jobs.
5. Save Thousands with Tax Credits
Hiring qualified candidates with disabilities can earn your business valuable tax credits. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal credit available when you hire people with disabilities. Small businesses can also claim the Disabled Access Credit, worth up to $5,000, for making your workplace accessible.
These tax credits put money back in your pocket while you expand your workforce with skilled employees.
How BRS Workforce Counselors Support Your Business
BRS Workforce Counselors are located throughout Connecticut. They understand regional business needs and work with different industries. Your counselor will help you understand which programs work best for your business. They're available to answer questions and provide support from start to finish.
Each business gets individual attention to ensure the programs meet your needs and help your new employees succeed.
Start Saving Today
The Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services helps businesses of all sizes access qualified candidates with disabilities while saving time, money, and resources. These programs, which are available at no cost to business, make it easy to expand your workforce without the usual costs of recruiting and training.
Ready to save money while building a stronger team?
Fill out our form and a workforce counselor will contact you to discuss which programs fit your business needs best.