This past week, the Department of Labor (DOL) released over $4 billion in worker training funds to the states as part of the America's Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRC). By law, states have 30 days to allocate these funds to local workforce boards (WIBs). So sometime over the next month, your local WIB will be receiving, in some cases, millions of dollars for worker training. Will you be calling?
These funds are designed to help (in part) unemployed workers get back to work; however, the funds can be used in many ways. Some of these ways could supplement your current training budgets and perhaps even double your current investment, in some cases.
Here are some of the ways funds are supposed to be used:
1. Individual training accounts: Job seekers who qualify can use these funds for a training program of choice (selected by their local WIB).
2. Customized training: Can be used to meet a specific training requirement by an individual employer or group. The employer or group pays no less than 50% of the training costs.
3. On the job training: Can be used in conjunction with an employer to provide up to 50% of the training for employees on the job. Some requirements do apply.
4. Contract with an institution of higher education or training provider: Funds can be used to contract with a training provider for training to a large group of individuals needed in a specific industry.
5. Contract with community based organization: Funds can be used for contracting with community based groups for training.
6. Registered apprenticeship programs: Funds can be used to support pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.
This is a great opportunity to connect and get involved locally with your WIB. If you are on your local ASTD Chapter Board, offer to help your local WIB in planning how to use these additional funds.
The money is NOW available, will you be calling?
