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What is the Workforce Training Fund? The Workforce Training Fund is a state fund financed entirely by Massachusetts employers, and enacted into law in July of 1998. Its purpose is to provide resources to Massachusetts business and workers to train current and newly hired employees. What is its mission? The mission of the Workforce Training Fund is to provide the applicants with resources they need to invest in the Massachusetts workforce and to improve employee skills, and maintain the economic strength and viability of the commonwealth's businesses. The funds major focus is on small to medium-sized businesses that would not be able to make this investment without the assistance of the fund. Training funded by this program should address the following priorities of the fund: Projects that will result in job retention, job growth or increased wages. Projects where training would make a difference in the company's productivity, competitiveness, and the ability to do business in Massachusetts. Projects where the applicant has made a commitment to provide significant private investment in training for the duration of the grant, and after the grant has expired. What Kind Of Training Is Allowable? The Workforce Training Fund does not impose restrictions on training- what is taught, how it is taught, and when it is taught is up to the employer. There are no rigid standards for subject matter or hours of instruction. The duration of training may be up to two years. Training may be provided by in-house expert trainers or external vendors. There is no minimum or maximum amount that the program will invest per employee, but applications will be judged on cost effectiveness. Training, however, must be job specific and a program such as an elementary new employee orientation will not be funded, nor will a training program designed exclusively to meet a legal mandate, such as OSHA training. What are my financial obligations? The total amount of the grant, must be matched on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis by the applicant and/or partner organizations. The match may be cash or in-kind. Who is eligible to apply? Training grants are direct grants awarded competitively to employers, employer organizations, labor organizations, and training providers, to train current and newly hired workers. By partnering with an employer, a group of employers, or employees, the following are eligible to apply for Technical Assistance grants: industry associations, labor organizations, community colleges, career centers, Workforce Investment Boards, and other entitles with expertise in providing technical assistance for training. Who is eligible for training? Massachusetts-based employers. This means that workers whose training is funded by this program must be working at a location in the state. How long can my training program last? Training programs must be completed within two years. Technical Assistance projects are not expected to exceed six months. How can my company or organization apply? Application packets are available from a variety of sources. You can call the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. at 508 979-1504, extension 14 and ask to speak with Craig Baker, the Director of Resource Development and Planning, or send an email to Craig at CBaker@gnbwib.org. You may also call the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training at 1-800-252-1591, or visit their Website at Mass. Workforce Training Fund. What is the deadline for applications? The deadline for Round 27 Funding is at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, July 5, 2007. What additional paperwork is required? Grantees will complete a grant activity summary to accompany each request for payment and will be asked to provide an evaluation on the project's effectiveness upon its completion. What are the criteria for approval? Applications will be reviewed using the following selection criteria:
Applications with merit that are not funded in one grant cycle may be carried forward to the next at the discretion of the Workforce Training Fund Advisory Panel. Applicants will be notified in writing if this is the case. Technical assistance grants will be reviewed using these criteria: How will grants be approved? Grants will be awarded by the Division of Employment and Training. Applications will be screened by the Workforce Training Fund Advisory Panel, which includes representatives from business and labor. How long will the grant approval process take? Decisions will be made approximately 60-75 days after the deadline for applications. What if my application is not approved? Applicants will be informed in writing of the reasons that their application was not approved and may re-apply in a subsequent round if they so desire. Who is administering this program? The Division of Employment & Training (D.E.T.), an agency of the Massachusetts Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DLWD), is administering the program. The Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp) and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) of the Department of Economic Development are partner agencies. Assistance is also provided by the Commonwealth's Workforce Investment Boards. Whom do I contact for assistance and more information? Call 1-800-252-1591 (or) contact GNBWIB's Director of Resource Development and Planning, Craig Baker at 508-979-1504, extension 14 or CBaker@gnbwib.org. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org  |