Overview

Through the Workforce Training Fund (WTF), Massachusetts’ businesses and labor organizations are eligible to receive matching grants of up to $250,000 and in some cases up to $1 million to help pay for critical, up-to-the-minute employee training for up to two years. Additionally, the Fund provides technical assistance grants of up to $25,000 to help employers access assistance in identifying training needs, developing a training plan, curriculum or other training-related activities.

How It Works

Massachusetts employers submit an application on or before one of three application deadlines per fiscal year. Information requested includes company financial information for the most recent two-year period and an outline of proposed employee training. Applications are reviewed by staff teams and recommended to the advisory panel for a decision.

Grant recipients receive an initial start-up payment of 25% of the grant fund amount approved, with three subsequent payments over the duration of the training. Recipients maintain and submit documentation as proof that training
is being conducted. The Workforce Training Fund team conducts on-site visits to provide employers with technical assistance and to address training concerns.

Advantages

• You decide the type of training—not us. Applicants are able to design and develop training based on specific, local company needs. With few exceptions, all jobrelated training and all employees are eligible.
• You decide who does the training—not us. Applicants may select a training provider or providers of their own choosing, including internal staff who have the knowledge and expertise to deliver training to company
  employees.
• You decide what the training outcomes should be—not us. All goals, objectives and outcomes are of the applicant’s choosing.
• You decide the means in which to accomplish the training. Applicants can meet match requirement through in-kind contribution, as well as cash match.

Eligibility

The Fund is open to any Massachusetts employer who pays into the Workforce Training Fund through the Commonwealth’s Unemployment Insurance program.
Grant recipients must be up-to-date with their payments to MA Unemployment Insurance and must provide a certified copy of a certificate in good standing from the MA Department of Revenue prior to the receipt grant funds.