Recruitment and Workforce Services
America’s Job Center of California provides employers with no-cost assistance recruiting, screening and referring qualified candidates. Local centers can also help organize hiring events, post openings through CalJOBS, provide labor-market information and connect employers with workforce training programs.

On-the-Job Training
On-the-Job Training programs help employers offset the cost of training eligible new employees. Through local workforce development boards and America’s Job Centers, qualifying businesses may receive reimbursement for a portion of a participant’s wages during an approved training period. Reimbursement is generally up to 50% and may reach 75% in certain circumstances, depending on local policies, employee eligibility and available funding.

Employment Training Panel
The California Employment Training Panel provides performance-based funding to employers for training newly hired and existing workers. Reimbursement is based on approved training hours, delivery methods, trainee wages and successful completion of required employment-retention periods. Additional assistance may be available for small businesses and employers in high-unemployment areas.

Registered Apprenticeship Programs
California’s Division of Apprenticeship Standards helps employers establish registered apprenticeship programs that combine paid employment, structured on-the-job learning and related classroom instruction. Employers can design programs around their specific workforce needs and may qualify for state or federal apprenticeship funding.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal incentive that has provided employers with tax credits of up to $9,600 for hiring eligible veterans, individuals receiving public assistance, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals and other targeted workers.

However, federal authorization expired on December 31, 2025. California EDD continues to accept and retain applications for employees beginning work on or after January 1, 2026, pending possible federal reauthorization.