Department of Workforce Development shares deadline for training grants

The deadline is looming for employers looking for state workforce training grants.

The Department of Workforce Development is asking employers to apply for the latest Wisconsin Fast Forward grant by Oct. 28. Companies big and small are eligible for the funding to train skilled workers.

The Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants are meant to reimburse occupational training costs for unemployed, underemployed and existing workers, DWD officials said. The grants provide from $5,000 to $400,000 to qualify workers for full-time employment, higher level employment or increased wages.

“Any business interested in building their pool of skilled workers should consider applying for this grant,” said Amy Pechacek, secretary of the Department of Workforce Development. “The Fast Forward program is an investment in Wisconsin’s workforce, providing a training boost that fills positions while offering workers the skills they need to succeed,” she added.

Eligible applicants include public agencies, private organizations in all industry sectors, consortiums with a public or private organization as the applicant and tribal governments.