In a bid to strengthen the pipeline between technical colleges and employers offering advanced manufacturing jobs, Gov. Scott Walker today unveiled a three-year, $4 million pilot program to boost skills training.
The hope of the Wisconsin Workforce Partnership Grant is to tailor employee training to specific employers. Grants will support the rapid development of degree or certificate programs that produce graduates who can meet specific employer needs.
“Closing the gap between jobs and available workers needs to be a high priority, especially in the area of manufacturing, where career opportunities are growing,” Walker said in a press release.
The grant program was created by the non-profit Wisconsin Covenant Foundation. Schools and businesses must partner on their application to the Foundation for up to $750,000 in funding for each grant over three years. The Foundation will select award application winners based on the number of degree holders that will result and the number of jobs will be created.
Grant applications may be submitted between March 22nd and May 9th. All applications must be jointly submitted by a technical college and a business-consortium and will be notified of decisions by June 27th. Those selected for funding must demonstrate a commitment from the partnering business as well as plans for tracking each student’s program process.
For more information, visit www.wisconsincovenantfoundation.org. Questions about the application can be directed to Libby Gerds at egerds@glhec.org or at 877-396-6249.
