The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced almost $4 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward worker training grants. The awards will assist 22 employers in training more than 2,133 workers to meet the needs of the workplace of the future.
These grants provide $3,974,200 in training funds for the in-demand sectors of construction, health care, manufacturing, and transportation. Many of the projects include partnerships with community organizations, local employers, and industry associations.
The Wisconsin Fast Forward standard grant program awards funds to Wisconsin businesses to reimburse costs associated with occupational training. The grants cover training costs for those who are unemployed or underemployed, as well as for incumbent workers. Participants who successfully complete the training program will gain opportunities for employment, higher-level employment, or increased wages.
Grants are open to all industry sectors and range from $5,000 to $400,000, with projects requiring a 50% cash or in-kind employer match. Training must provide transferable skills to incumbent workers, underemployed workers, and unemployed people.
Employers must meet these minimum requirements to receive funding:
- 85% of the participants must complete training;
- 65% must gain employment (the unemployed, hired; the underemployed, promoted); and
- 75% of incumbent trainees must receive pay raises.
Find additional information or download an application on the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program website.
