DECATUR—DeKalb Workforce Development is accepting applicants for its Learn and Earn program, which provides pay with on-the-job training.

The pilot program is open to eligible dislocated workers and adult customers seeking employment in DeKalb through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The federally subsidized program is also recruiting employers that would like to join DeKalb County in  offering jobs.

The jobs must pay between $27,000 and $60,000 a year. Employers may not hire workers to replace those who have been laid off or to pay a lower salary where wage earners receive more for those positions.

“We’re trying to put people to work and we’re starting with job openings available through DeKalb County,” said Varonia Walker, who is overseeing the program at DeKalb Workforce Development.

Under the program, employers agree to hire eligible individuals, provide them with skills training over a specific period of time, and pay wages at the same rate as similarly situated employees. In exchange, the employer is eligible to receive a subsidy of up to 50 percent of the employee’s wages for up to a 90-day period for the training. The subsidy is provided by the DWD and the project will be 100 percent federally funded through the WIA of 1998 (WIA).

For more information about the program, contact Varonia Walker at 404-371-6288 or Diontrise Blake at 404-371-2592.