Incumbent Worker Training (IWT)
Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) helps South Carolina companies offset the cost of training existing employees when new technologies, equipment, processes or business changes require new skills.
Available through the SC Works workforce system, IWT can help companies strengthen productivity, retain experienced employees and remain competitive as workforce needs evolve.
Overview
IWT is a federally supported workforce training resource designed to help employers build and maintain a skilled workforce.
Training may support business needs related to:
- New technology
- Retooling
- New product lines
- Organizational changes
- Changing skill requirements
- Layoff avoidance
The program is intended to help businesses remain competitive while giving existing employees the skills needed to retain employment as business needs evolve.
Investing in the workforce already on the job
When a business changes, the skills it needs often change with it.
IWT can help companies respond by developing existing employees for new or evolving responsibilities. That can make the program particularly useful when companies modernize operations, introduce new technologies or need to retain experienced workers through periods of change.
Eligibility
IWT is intended for employers seeking to train existing workers to meet changing skill requirements or help prevent layoffs.
Programs funded through IWT must support employees who are already working for the company. IWT is not intended to provide the occupational training required for a new hire. Employers participating in IWT also commit to retaining the workers who receive training.
Specific employer, employee and project requirements can vary depending on the type of IWT funding available.
Qualifying training
IWT may support training associated with business changes such as:
- Adoption of new technology
- Retooling or modernization
- Introduction of new product lines
- Changes in organizational structure
- Skill development needed to retain employment
- Training used as part of a layoff-aversion strategy
Training must address an identified workforce need and meet applicable program requirements.
Funding
IWT is supported through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and may be available through several funding pathways, including:
- Local IWT funding through Local Workforce Development Boards
- Statewide IWT funding
- Rapid Response IWT for qualifying layoff-aversion situations
Funding availability, employer contribution requirements and the amount of assistance available depend on the funding source and individual project.
Because funding is not a fixed statewide reimbursement, companies should connect with SC Works before beginning training to understand current availability and requirements.
How to participate
Companies interested in IWT should contact their local SC Works center to discuss their workforce and training needs.
SC Works can help companies:
- Determine whether IWT may be appropriate
- Understand current funding availability
- Review applicable employer and employee requirements
- Identify potentially eligible training
- Navigate the application and approval process
Training should be coordinated with SC Works before it begins.
Learn more about Incumbent Worker Training
Explore Incumbent Worker Training and connect with your local SC Works center for current program details and funding availability.
