Transitional Employment refers to programmes which place employees into programmed roles, in order to help them adapt to non-subsidised roles as quickly as possible. Employees in transitional employment have most likely been off work due to injury, who are looking to return to work. Transitional employment is most of the time part of the country's job creation program, which has been designed to help unemployed individuals.

In some cases, transitional jobs are provided for otherwise unemployable individuals as a method of providing them with earned income. Additionally, transitional employment may be used to train and prepare those with developmental disabilities or life changing injuries for integration into a traditional workplace. Displaced workers and prisoners reentering the workforce may also benefit from transitional employment programs.

Transitional employment examples

The main aim  of transitional employment is to advance an individual’s skills and adapt them into the workforce. Employers must ensure transitional jobs abide by employee physical and health restrictions. These jobs, often referred to as light-duty jobs, will vary depending on the industry.

Examples of  transitional jobs in the transportation industry include: 

• Cleaning buses 
• Training new hires
• Updating safety manuals 
• Sorting invoices 
• Inspecting buses and bus equipment 

Transitional jobs in the healthcare sector could include: 

• Filing medical records and other documents
• Being an activity aid for patients
• Cleaning rooms and safety equipment 
• Bathing independent patients/residents
• Answering phones in reception 

Eligibility for transitional employment

In order to be eligible for transitional employment, one must: 

• Have a completed Individual Employment Plan (IEP) from the WIOA
• Provide medical documentation that outlines work restrictions and expected duration of these restrictions (this only applies if the individual has been unemployed due to medical reasons or has undergone a workplace injury)
• Be enrolled in the WIOA Adult or Dislocated Worker program 

Transitional employment eligibility criteria varies across countries and organizations. Ensure to speak with your county or HR department for specific requirements.