GWB Announces Availability of “Rolling,” On-Demand Training Grants Allowing RI Employers to Apply for Funds Based on Their Budget Cycles, Not a State Deadline
RISBJ Staff | Jun 01, 2015
The Governor’s Workforce Board RI (GWB) is announcing today (May 29) the availability of Incumbent Worker Training Grants on a rolling basis, as opposed to the annual request-for-proposals protocol through which GWB has awarded and allocated the funding previously.
Starting in July, Rhode Island employers will have the flexibility of applying for matching grants between $5,000 and $40,000 to upgrade their workers’ skills based on their training needs and budget cycles – not based on an annual deadline set by the state. In the past year, GWB Incumbent Worker Training Grants (IWTG) have enabled 150 companies to train more than 5,500 workers.
“Ensuring government moves at the speed of business will help spark Rhode Island’s comeback,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “One of the top concerns I hear from businesses is that they don’t have enough skilled workers. Giving businesses the tools they need to strengthen their workforce, on a schedule that works for them, is a great investment.”
The GWB has approved $1.7 million in total funding allocations for Incumbent Worker Training Grants (IWTG) for fiscal year 2016. The GWB discussed changing the annual grants to rolling grants at the committee and full board level in February and March and has since worked out the details for soliciting, reviewing, and awarding the grants.
IWTG funds are available starting July 1. Applications may be submitted at any time.
The GWB is inviting employers to learn more about IWTG at an information session on Monday, June 8, 2015, from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the CCRI Warwick Campus, Room 4080. For more information, visit www.gwb.ri.gov/grants.htm or call (401) 462-8860.
The GWB is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island, with statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund and evaluate workforce development activities in the state.
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