Applications are open for a new employee training grant for manufacturers to help prepare tomorrow’s workforce.

WorkForce Central’s Employee Training Grant for Manufacturing offers up to $50,000 to help businesses implement training programs that enhance skills, promote employee growth and strengthen competitiveness.

Responding to employer needs

“A key workforce challenge we heard during our recent Manufacturing Industry Roundtable was the need for employee retention strategies and skill development,” WorkForce Central Senior Director of Business Solutions Teresa Delicino said. “The grant program offers an opportunity for business owners to invest in their employees and grow their businesses without shouldering all the cost.”

The aim of the grants is to help Pierce County manufacturing companies:

• Boost employee satisfaction and retention
• Increase employee productivity
• Improve operational efficiency
• Reduce skills gaps
• Be better prepared to adopt new technologies

Employers determine what type of training/skill enhancements are needed for business and employee growth. Training can be conducted by industry recognized training entities, community and technical colleges, or other third-party training providers.

Leading the charge

The Employee Training Grant for Manufacturers is funded by a Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI) grant made possible through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge. The initiative was created to help more Washington residents access industry-driven training to secure a good job with a family sustaining wage.

WorkForce Central is driving the WJI’s Manufacturing WORKS initiative in Pierce County. The initiative includes job skills training, placement into good jobs, and distribution of reskill/upskill funding for qualifying employers and their employees.

For more information, click here or visit the WorkForce Central website.