Workforce Training Grants and Incentives

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Stimulus) provided additional funding to Workforce Connection to assist companies and job candidates. Businesses can benefit from the following grants and incentive programs.

On-The-Job-Training
On-the-job training (OJT) is provided for eligible candidates who have been hired by the employer following an agreement with Workforce Connection that the employer will provide the occupational training. In exchange, the employer can recoup up to 50 percent of the wages paid to the OJT participant during the training period, and 100 percent reimbursement for hiring costs like background checks and uniforms to offset the costs of training. Workforce has established priority areas for OJT funds including services to certain dislocated workers, training for green jobs, and services for older youth.

Summer Youth Program
For the first time in 13 years, Workforce has been awarded money to conduct a summer youth program for youth 14 to 24 years of age. We are partnering with private business in providing meaningful employment experiences that youth would not normally experience. Youth receive a stipend, instead of wages, for participating in the program.

Employed Worker Program
Designed to meet the special requirements of an employer, the Employed Worker Program raises a current employee to a better job and better wage within a company through customized training. This type of training may be provided to a single employee or group of employees. The employer will select their preferred training provider and Workforce Connection will support the program by reimbursing up to 50 percent of costs associated with the training. Companies may receive a maximum of $20,000 in funds, depending on their training needs and budget. Workforce has established priority areas for these funds including certificate-based training, training existing employees for advancement to open up job opportunities for entry-level positions, and green jobs.

State Grant Technical Assistance
Workforce staff can provide technical assistance for state Incumbent Worker and Quick Response Grants. Although the process has been greatly streamlined, many employers find it helpful to have guidance in how to complete the application process. With Quick Response Grants, companies must partner with a public educational provider as the fiscal agent.

Other Grant Programs
Workforce Connection has been a leader in acquiring state and federal grants. Over the last five years, Workforce has acquired over $5 million in grant funding to serve area workforce needs. Our team identifies gaps in the workforce pipeline and develops strategic grants to fill those current and projected needs. From grants to build our future energy workforce demands to a variety of industry strengthening grants in healthcare and manufacturing, we look at the macro needs of our targeted industries, as well as our individual employer needs. We are anticipating competitive grants targeting green jobs, healthcare and healthcare IT.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit (WTW)
The WOTC and WTW were designed to provide a tax incentive to employers for hiring individuals from certain target groups to help them enter or re-enter the labor force. Tax credits are computed on the annual wages of each qualified employee.

Contact Us for More Information
For more information on these business opportunities, please contact a member of our team at (352) 873-7939, extension 5556.