Workforce Advancement Training Grant

Purpose

Administered through the Wisconsin Technical College System, Workforce Advancement Training grants promote increased investment in the development of incumbent workers and expand technical college training services to help businesses and industry meet their training needs. Grants will be awarded to upgrade the skills and productivity of employees of established, for-profit businesses and industries operating in Wisconsin, with the broader objective of supporting regional workforce and economic development efforts.

What type of training is covered by this grant?

The training can include any combination of academic, occupational and employability topics or courses. Projects that would accomplish one or more of the following will receive special consideration:

  • increase employees’ wages,
  • expand employees’ job and career opportunities, including by helping employees improve their standing by taking advantage of career pathways,
  • implement part of a formal regional development collaboratively planned by business and industry and workforce and economic development organizations,
  • strengthen the position of the state’s driver industries and related industry clusters,

Who is eligible to participant in the grant?

Grant funds will be allocated to two categories of businesses:

  • General Businesses - general business is any qualified business that has not been certified as a small business.
  • Small Businesses - A business that employs 100 or less workers or has an annual gross income of $10,000,000 or less is considered to be a small business. Current and prospective employees are eligible to receive training

The applicant must meet grant criteria, provide all needed documentation and business information as required, and participate in an online post-training survey.

How much funding is available for training?

A business may apply for between $5,000 to $150,000 in funding. Successful applications will be funded at 75% of the total approved project costs; and the applicant will pay for 25% of the total approved project costs

How have businesses participated in grant funding?

Many area manufacturers in the Gateway District of Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties have received funding. However, the grant is not specific to manufacturing. We strongly encourage non-manufacturers to inquire. Examples of training that has been done through grant funding include mechanical and technical skills, Lean manufacturing and supervisory management. Over $150,000 in funding has been allocated to Gateway District employers since the program’s inception.

How do I get more information about participating in the WAT grant?

Contact Rosemary Van Treeck at 262-564-2236 or vantreeckr@gtc.edu

 

 


Updated: 7/25/2008 | Comment about this page.