Workforce training program gets funding boost

A significant increase in the amount of funding available through the Workforce Development Training Fund is intended to help Wyoming businesses train new employees and upskill current staff.

Through an emergency rule signed by Governor Mark Gordon, businesses can now apply for larger grants per trainee and higher hourly funding for interns.

"The Workforce Development Training Fund has been instrumental in allowing employers to hire, train and retain the best talent, and we know how important those things are for the health of any business," said Business Training and Support Unit Program Manager Shaye Moon of the increased grant limits.

Employers can now apply for Business Training Grants of up to $4000 per trainee per fiscal year, a quadruple increase from $100.

This limit is even higher for preferred industries, at $5000. Preferred industries include construction, finance and insurance, healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, technology and hospitality and tourism.

The funding limit for businesses per fiscal year has meanwhile been increased from $50,000 to $200,000, while Internship Grants have seen an upgrade in allowable hourly wages from $12 to $25 (request must be supported by industry standards.)

Businesses can now determine how many internships they would like to host, to a maximum of six.

County and memorial hospitals and emergency medical service providers are also now eligible for these grants.

The Workforce Development Training Fund is intended to assist employers with professional development opportunities in order to increase skill attainment. It includes training grants to teach new skills or re-train employees, pre-hire grants to train employees before job placement, internship grants for structured learning experiences and apprenticeship grants to develop programs where there is a shortage of skilled employees.

Businesses can find out more about the available opportunities through wyomingworkforce.org.