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Customized Training

What is customized training? Customized training is aimed at meeting employers' specific needs, as opposed to meeting general training needs, and it is often targeted at incumbent workers. It can include customized curricula and training times and locations that make it possible for current employees to participate (often on the job or at the work site). Employers often contribute to the cost of customized training programs and commit to hire participants or retain or promote incumbent workers who participate. In the public workforce system, workforce development boards may fund some of the customized training costs, with employers contributing at least half of the cost of training, although the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act gives states flexibility on this front. 

Who provides customized training? Postsecondary institutions and other education and training providers work directly with employers to develop customized training or sector strategies to meet specific job needs, often for incumbent workers.

Why is customized training important? Customized training is a strategy for meeting the needs of specific employers or groups of employers. It can be used to prevent layoffs, increase wages, and prevent companies from relocating. States and municipalities often have customized training programs in place to attract new employees or to meet the training needs of current employers.