Wage-Free Trainees

In a competitive job market, it can be difficult for people on public assistance to obtain a secure job. To address some of these challenges, the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (FCDJFS) recently partnered with ECDI and Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) to increase on-the-job work experience training for recipients of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding.

The Work Experience (WEP) and Community Service Program (CSP) give participants real opportunities to acquire the general skills, training, knowledge, and work habits, necessary to move toward self-sufficiency, by means of stable employment.

ECDI and CRIS will work together to recruit for-profit and non-profit organizations to sponsor trainees. These sites will be submitted to FCDJFS, who can then identify work site opportunities to place TANF recipients in appropriate job training environments. By creating training positions with public and private sponsors, the program can help individuals break the cycle of public assistance.

Employer sponsors have recognized numerous benefits from the program such as additional manpower and the ability to prioritize and delegate tasks. Reimbursement for the WEP and CSP trainees is covered by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by FCDJFS.

Please contact the ECDI Community Development Department for more information.

Download additional information:

WEP General Information and Benefits

WEP F&Q

WEP Sponsor Responsibilities

WEP Testimonials

CSP General Information and Benefits

CSP F&Q

CSP Sponsor Responsibilities

Download sponsor application materials:

WEP Sponsor Handbook

WEP Sponsor Agreement Application