Nebraska Customized Job Training (CJT)

Nebraska Customized Job Training

Funds Nebraska companies creating jobs through customized workforce training aligned to employer needs.

Eligibility · United States · US-NE

The Nebraska Customized Job Training (CJT) program is a state-funded training grant administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NE DED) to help Nebraska businesses create or retain quality full-time jobs. It targets for-profit companies in manufacturing, processing, warehousing, distribution, and headquarters operations that sell their goods or services outside Nebraska — retail businesses and operations serving primarily local markets are explicitly excluded. The program covers training costs for full-time permanent in-state employees in non-administrative roles, including on-the-job training, classroom instruction delivered on-site or through community colleges, tuition, training fees, and course materials.

A critical process requirement distinguishes CJT from open-competition grants: applicants must receive a formal Invitation to Apply from NE DED before submitting any application materials. Applications must be filed before hiring the targeted employees or incurring any training expenses — pre-award costs are not reimbursable. Training must have a defined start and end date and must be paired with a capital investment by the business. Published award amounts were not available in the program's public-facing materials; the award is negotiated with DED based on the number of jobs and training costs documented in the proposal.

For Nebraska manufacturers, processors, and distributors planning workforce expansions tied to capital investment, CJT offers a structured path to offset training costs that would otherwise reduce ROI on the expansion. The invitation-first gate means companies should engage NE DED early in the planning cycle — before finalizing hiring timelines or training contracts — to secure the required invitation and understand current funding terms. The program contact is Rose Baker at NE DED (rose.baker@nebraska.gov, 402-471-1559).