In our last edition of Political Tidbits, we reported the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) awarded 37 different employers with $1.5 million in worker training grants for nearly 2,200 manufacturing workers. At the end of May, DWD announced its intent to award nearly $1 million more for worker training grants through the Wisconsin Fast Forward program.

To date, the Wisconsin Fast Forward program has granted $3.4 million to train workers in manufacturing, construction, information technology, financial services, healthcare, small business and transportation. DWD Secretary Reggie Newson said, “These employer-driven training programs are creating new opportunities for working families… and cementing Wisconsin as a leader in collaborative efforts to address the skills gap today and in the years to come.”

The Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program was appropriated $15 million in 2013 to award to companies. Governor Walker expanded the program with $35.4 million in January of 2014 through his Blueprint for Prosperity program.

Visit the Wisconsin Fast Forward website for more information, or to apply for a grant.