The Department of Workforce Services is offering a unique opportunity. Your company may be able to utilize State funds to train your employees through the Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP). The purpose of the program is to:

1. Provide grants to employers to assist with certain expenses associated with skills upgrade training for their full-time
2. Help those workers gain the skills that keep them employed and increase their wages

The program does not limit the types of training that will be considered for funding. Training may include industry or business specific skills, technical and computer skills, and "soft-skills" such as leadership, teamwork, and management skills.

Who Is Eligible?
All Utah businesses or consortiums that have been in operation for a minimum of three (3) years prior to the application date, request training for at least (15) full-time employees, are financially viable and current on all state tax obligations. Funding is limited to DWS specified targeted industry sectors and occupations.

What Are Some of The Costs That Will Not Be Allowed Under The Incumbent Worker Training Program?
IWTP grant funds cannot be used to pay for: capital improvements or costs incurred prior to the approval date of the application. These types of expenses associated with the training, however, may be included as part of the "company match" to the project in the IWTP grant application budget.

What Is Required of The Business?
The business must identify in the IWTP application its contribution ("company match") to the training program. Businesses will be required to provide a minimum of 50% of the requested direct training cost; i.e., instructors' /trainers salaries, curriculum development and materials and supplies.

What Kind Of Reporting Is Required Once A Grant Is Received?
The business will submit reports on the training, expenditures, and performance to DWS. At the end of the project, the business will also submit a final report to close out the grant.

Can You Help Us Find Employees?
DWS operates Employment Centers statewide, which are available to assist employers in the recruitment and assessment of potential employees.

Where Can The Training Take Place?
Training can be conducted at the business's own facility, at a public or private training provider's facility, or at a combination of sites that best meets the needs of the business.

Who Actually Does The Training?
Program instructors can be provided through Utah's public or private educational institutions, private training organizations, trainers employed by the business, or a combination of training providers. The business can also utilize any WIA Approved Training provider.

For additional information and application:
http://jobs.utah.gov/services/Incumbent.asp or contact Connie Laws: 801-526-9955, claws@utah.gov.

Application Opening Date: Jan. 17, 2007
Application Closing Date: Feb. 28, 2007
Evaluation Closing Date: Mar. 30, 2007
Award Announcement Date: April 1, 2007 .