In Round 3 of Wisconsin’s Fast Forward initiative, just under $4 million in worker training grants was distributed to 57 employers to develop in-demand skills for 3,600 employees. Secretary Newson announced the availability of $8 million in grants this past July to support nine industries, of which DWD awarded $4 million to manufacturing, transportation, and construction industries.

Last year, Governor Walker proposed and the legislature approved the $15 million fast forward grant initiative. To date, the program has made nearly $10 million available to assist more than 10,200 current and new workers. The program is administered by the Department of Workforce Development Office of Skills Development, which accepts and reviews applications. The department expects to make funding decisions for projects in financial services, information technology, customer service, small business, health care, and agricultural industries in the coming weeks.