Workforce Development
Workforce Business Services
Commerce's Workforce Division is commited to strengthening the competitive edge of businesses and offers a wide variety of funding opportunities and services.
Your business can benefit from this funding in numerous ways:
- Obtain a grant for incumbent worker training when introducing a new product or new technology.
- Receive 50-75 percent of the cost of customized training.
- Receive 50-75 percent of the cost of wages during on-the-job training.
- Receive WorkKeys® skills assessments and job profiling.
- Access job search and placement, skills assessment and training services for employees if downsizing.
Download the Workforce Development Business Services Brochure for additional information.
Contact the administrator of the local Workforce Investment Board that serves your area for details on funding availability and priorities. Click on the map and then on the respective website to obtain contact information.
Additional services offered by Commerce's Workforce Division include:
INCUMBENT WORKER TRAINING
Funds are available to train current employees to meet changing skill requirements due to new technology, restructuring, new product lines and many other factors. An employer match is required. Funding priority is given to training that will lead to significant upgrades in employee skills or wages, or that results in layoff aversion and better retention opportunities.
“The IWT grant has allowed our small company to compete head-to-head with much larger companies. We must keep our technical people current on newer technologies, as well as get certified in necessary areas.” - Technology Solutions, Inc.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
Funding may be granted for up to 50-75 percent (depending on the size of the business) of the wages of referred new hires that are trained on-site, as compensation for the high costs of training and supervision during training. The length of the reimbursement is based on the occupation, the content of the training and the prior work experience of the new hire.
“We were able to provide training and retraining for over 300 employees in basic skills, computer literacy and technical topics while simultaneously taking steps to reduce our operating costs.” - Federal Mogul
CUSTOMIZED TRAINING
Funding may be granted for up to 50-75 percent (depending on the size of the business) of the training costs necessary to meet the special requirements of an employer or group of employers.
“Our ISO standardization training gives us integrity and credibility in the marketplace.” - Accutech Machine
RAPID RESPONSE
The Workforce "Rapid Response" team provides 24-hour, on-site assistance to laid-off workers to help them find re-employment, obtain training and receive income support if eligible. Rapid Response services are provided regardless of the reason for layoff or closure (e.g. trade impacted, company downsizing/restructuring, natural disaster, plant relocation, bankruptcy, etc.)