MILWAUKEE, October, 2016 – Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen is urging employers to apply for Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) grants to train Milwaukee workers for good-paying jobs. Applications are due November 10 for up to $1 million in grants ranging from $5,000 to $200,000.
The funds are part of Governor Scott Walker’s recent $4.5 million initiative to help train Milwaukee’s workforce and revitalize city neighborhoods.
“Under Governor Scott Walker’s leadership, Wisconsin is working in collaboration with city and regional partners to rebuild and strengthen Milwaukee, which has tremendous potential to provide employers with the skilled talent they need to grow and expand,” Secretary Allen said.
“We are accepting applications for training innovations to help Milwaukee residents develop in-demand job skills required by Wisconsin employers in Milwaukee and surrounding areas.”
DWD’s Office of Skills Development (OSD), which administers the grant program, is seeking applications under the following provisions:
• Companies or companies and partner organizations are eligible for worker training awards ranging from $5,000 – $200,000
• Awardees are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match in training funds
• The proposed training plan should focus on City of Milwaukee residents, and the demand for the training being conducted should be supported by localized labor market information
• Grant funds may not be used to supplant existing, routine business training, but should focus on employers’ skill gaps
In 2013, Governor Walker proposed the WFF initiative which was approved by the Wisconsin State Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. WFF encourages partnerships between employers and workforce and economic development organizations to provide worker training that is not readily available through existing education or training providers.
Details about the program and on how to apply are available at http://wisconsinfastforward.com.
