The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has announced additional funding for another round of worker training grants under the Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) program. The program, administered by the Office of Skills Development (OSD) at DWD, provides grants for training programs to help unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers learn new skills. The grants are intended to fund training programs that will allow workers to obtain full-time or higher-level employment, increased wages, and/or industry recognized credentials.

The previous round of WFF grants, which we covered here, was funded at $3 million. This next round of the program will award about $2 million in grants under the same criteria. Final award amounts will range from $5,000 to $400,000. Grants are available to all industry sectors and companies of any size. Private organizations, public agencies, tribal governing bodies, or coalitions or partnerships representing a group of eligible organizations can apply for these grants.

Grantees will be required to do the following:

• Secure a cash or in-kind match equal to 50 percent of the awarded amount
• Complete training of at least 85 percent of contracted trainees
• Ensure at least 65 percent of trainees are placed in appropriate positions with the placement partner(s) identified in the grant application

Grant applications are due by 3 PM on Thursday, May 6. Additional information can be found on the WFF website.