Champaign County Chamber Of Commerce: Incumbent Worker Training Program

Champaign IL

03 February, 2022

8:10 PM

Description

Press release from Champaign County Chamber of Commerce: January 21, 2022 The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission to bring our Chamber members the opportunity to train and upskill existing workers with federal grant funds. The Chamber is here to help you navigate the grant program process. We can help you get the training dollars you need to train your existing workforce to increase productivity, improve retention of valued employees and boost your companies' competitiveness. Approved Industries for Grant Funding HealthcareManufacturingInformation TechnologyGreenTransportation Distribution and LogisticsGreen Training Will Also Be Allowable Across All Industries What the Training Grant Provides Hands On Training Designed by the BusinessPayment to Offset Training CostsOpportunity to Train Employees Your Way via On-Site and/or Classroom TrainingFlexibility in Selecting TrainersLess Paperwork A wide range of training topics and delivery arrangements may be proposed. Training that is closely linked to specific jobs, as well as job advancement, is encouraged. Typical Training Costs Eligible for Reimbursement Tuition and School FeesBooksTraining Materials and SuppliesPre- and Post-TestingVocational CounselingVendor/Contractor Training CostsTravel Expenses of TrainersTravel Expenses of TraineesTraining Facility Costs (offsite)Fees for Technical or Professional CertificationsRefresher Courses for Occupational Certifications How Does a Business Qualify? To be eligible for an IWT grant, the business must show that jobs may be retained if current workers obtain in-demand skills. Key indicators include: Declining SalesSupply Chain IssuesAdverse Industry/Market TrendsChanges in Management Philosophy or Ownership Requirements for Employees Receiving the Training Qualifications Employed at the CompanyMeet the Fair Labor Standards Act Requirements for an Employer-Employee RelationshipHave an Established Employment with the Company of 6 Months or MoreHowever, if the IWT is Being Provided to a Cohort of Employees, Not Every Employee Must be with the Company for 6 Months or More Employer Matching Requirement This grant does require that employers match training funds based on size of the company: 10% of the Cost for 1-50 Employees25% of the Cost for 51-100 Employees50% of the Cost for 101 or More Employees Submitting the IWT Proposal/Finalizing the Project Employers will need to complete a proposal outlining their plans for employee trainingThe Chamber and the RPC staff are happy to assist businesses with completing proposalsOnce eligibility has been determined, the RPC Business Service Team will work with the business to outline the training program and assist with identifying and securing a trainer, if needed The Chamber is here to help you with every step of the process, so please contact us today to see how we can help you obtain the training dollars needed to help you with your workforce development. Please contact: Mindy Cain Director of Workforce Readiness [email protected] Matt Bradley Director of Business Development [email protected] Please see these documents for more information about the Incumbent Worker Program: Supporting materials: WIOA Training Quick Facts WIOA Desk Reference Incumbent Worker Proposal This press release was produced by Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author's own.