For Workers

Employer Application Guidelines

1. Employer Goals

Employers who sponsor their workers must (1) have a reason for green-related training that translates into application in the workplace and (2) forsee results in an outcome to the company that can be measured in a quantifiable way translating into dollars. When determining goal(s), consider the following:

  • Why do you want employees to receive green related training?
  • What benefit to the company will the employee provide because he/she completed training and has a new credential?
  • Once workers apply in the workplace what they learned in training, where do you expect to see the difference? Will it help the company be more competitive, reduce the bottom line, improve profitability, increase efficiency, reduce waste, create jobs or retain current workers, improve customer relations, enhance company perception internally or externally, open new customer or product markets, increase opportunities to bid, provide cost savings in inventory or raw materials, provide labor or capital avoidance, etc.?

Identified goals, the method used to measure outcomes, the measurement timeframe, and expected results need to be documented, signed, and submitted with the Employer Letter of Commitment. Please work with the SVEP grant representative and/or local education and training provider contact for assistance.

2. Eligible Employees

Employer will identify and sponsor full-time and/or part-time employees to participate in green workforce training programs through SVEP grant funded scholarships. These are employees whose enhanced performance can address identified employer goals. For scholarship funding, employees selected for training must meet all requirements as outlined on the SVEP Participant Application Guidelines document and provide verification of eligibility documents. These requirements include participant application, signed release of information form, I-9 form, age verification and selective service registration verification.

3. Employer Support

Employer agrees to support employee efforts to complete training and earn required credential as a direct outcome of successful program completion. Employer will provide support including employee documentation needed for grant participation and coordination with grant personnel through the education provider and the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc. An employer representative will need to work with the SVEP staff and training partners to complete individual applications and provide documentation of eligibility to work, age requirements and proof of selective service registration. Documentation must be completed prior to the start of training. An approval form will provide confirmation that training will be funded through SVEP.

If applicable to employer customized training, there may be a need to provide employee release time, supplies or tools, and lunch or snacks for trainees. In addition, the company may want to provide use of facility for training and substitute workers for job coverage of essential tasks while employees are in training. Support provided by the employer will count as leveraged resources in support of the training opportunity.

4. Individual Employee Training Outcomes

Employer will agree to work with employees so that an acceptable training outcome is attained. Required training outcomes include completion of the training program and a minimum of one earned credential. Other outcomes are highly desirable but not required to participate. These outcomes include increased wages, job promotion, change from part-time status to full-time employment, and/or change in job duties.

5. Employer Expected Outcomes

Employer may work with the training provider and/or SVEP representative to assess training impact as employees apply training in the workplace. Impact will be measured as documented on the Expected Outcome Form and reported to the U.S. Department of Labor through quarterly SVEP reporting.

6. Reimbursement of Funds

Employer will agree to reimburse the SVEP Grant for funds expended on employees who do not attend scheduled training, withdraw prior to completion of training program, or do not obtain a credential. If the employer makes arrangements with the training provider not to be invoiced, then the employer is not responsible for grant fund reimbursement. Another sponsored employee may take the place of an employee who withdraws from training. This option may not be possible for all training programs.

7. Green Related Training Programs

A wide range of green-related training programs exists and may be selected by the employer. Programs may be offered in combination with other programs and may be customized to meet specific employer training needs. If an employer-requested program is not offered, talk with your training provider and SVEP representative to pursue other options.

8. Approved Training Providers

SVEP, through the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc., has contracted with regional and state education and training providers to deliver employer customized training. If an employer requested program is not offered through an approved provider, talk with your regional training provider and SVEP representative to pursue other options.

9. Related Employer Forms

See Forms page for:

  • Employer Letter of Commitment (completed by employer)
  • Expected Outcome Form (completed by employer)
  • Employer Training Approval Form (completed by SVEP representative)