Did you know that Massachusetts provides for-profit employers with workforce training grants to improve employee skill sets? For the past 20 years, funding through the Workforce Training Fund Program has helped hundreds of employers improve employee skills to remain competitive in their industries.
The process of applying is fairly easy. For-profit businesses located within Massachusetts may apply for a WTFP grant, and employees payrolled within Massachusetts are eligible to participate regardless of their residence. The great news is the approval rating is nearly 100%, so if you qualify, your chance to receive funding is excellent. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; therefore, employers may apply anytime.
Various levels of funding are available. WTFP grants can range from $10,000 to $125,000.
Funding can be used for a variety of training programs. As the needs of businesses can vary, there are many training options. A partial list of popular programs is:
- English as a second language
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Executive leadership coaching & staff development
- Artificial intelligence
- Business development
- Employer’s core software
- Deltek administrative software
- Salesforce CRM software
- Project management
Employers are often able to receive training from firms they know and trust. Many local training organizations work with the WTFP grant, which provides employers the opportunity to work with those they have relationships with and who know their culture and needs. The WTFP program provides employers with a 24-month period to complete the training program.
Senior management buy-in is an important part of a successful WTFP grant. Although not required to obtain a WTFP grant award, senior management buy-in ensures training will continue through the entire process. Senior management is best positioned to identify training topics to address overall strategic goals.
Training can lead to improved competitiveness and profitability. The grant improves employee skills to address business opportunities and challenges leading to improved market competitiveness, profitability, and employee morale. Employers have the potential to experience six-figure gains in net profit and increases in gross revenue from efficiency gains and increases in gross revenue from improved business development.
Which training topics should be selected. Training topics should not generally exceed three to ensure each topic has a sufficient number of hours to make a positive impact on employees. The best choice are topics most impacting important business issues, with a larger group of participants.
The WTFP application requires something all successful training programs have. Identifying specific business opportunities and challenges in great detail and detailed calculations of ROIs to demonstrate the value the workshops provide.
