Workforce Training Grant Funding Available to Employers
Employers who train new or existing workers can now take advantage of a grant recently approved for increased funding by the state to cover these expenses. “The Next Level Jobs training program allows employers to skill-up current employees and recruit candidates with little to no experience,” explained Christian Maslowski, president and CEO of Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance.
“Many companies spend thousands of dollars on training new employees,” explained Robin Close, WorkOne business services representative for Johnson and Shelby counties. “This grant helps pay up to $5,000 per employee and up to $100,000 for an employer.” She added that this is free training money for employers but is available only through the end of the year — so the time to act is now. "Starting in January of 2021, funding will still be available for employers, but the maximum amount will be $50,000, reduced from $100,000.
Click here to learn more about Next Level grants and how an employer can apply. Simply complete the short application, set up a training program, get it approved, and get reimbursed with a training grant. “The paperwork to apply for this grant and to request payment has no red tape and is extremely easy,” said Close. Employers with questions may contact Close at rclose@workonecentral.org.
The Next Level Jobs initiative focuses on helping Indiana companies like yours fill high-demand jobs in high-priority sectors that are driving Indiana’s 21st Century economy. The grant covers occupations in a half-dozen priority sectors: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, IT & business services, health & life sciences, transportation & logistics, and building & construction.
“Some ways local employers are using it include training for Certified Nursing Assistants, customized trainings in-house, assemblers, and safety,” she explained. “Some are bringing in a third-party trainer to their building or have their own designed training already in place.” Next Level grants cover some of the training programs at Central Nine Career Center in Greenwood, Ivy Tech Community College in Franklin, and Vincennes University’s two Indianapolis locations, as well as other training providers.
“We hope our business owners will learn about and take advantage of this great program, because Aspire believes true business success lies in the heart of each company: its people,” Maslowski concluded. He added that Aspire stands ready to help connect members with resources to help their businesses grow and prosper.