Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Announces Fast Forward Grants

Friday, May 27th, 2022 -- 8:08 AM

Department of Workforce Development Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek announced nearly $700,000 in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants to fund employer-led, customized worker training benefiting employers, workers and communities throughout the state.

The funding includes an information technology sector grant of $398,840, awarded to the MKE Tech Hub Coalition. Formed in 2019 to inclusively double the region's tech talent, the Milwaukee-based, nonprofit organization works collaboratively with more than 120 organizations in that effort.

MKE Tech Hub will work with partner Max Technical Training to provide training to 50 unemployed trainees. Training courses will focus on cybersecurity and IT Service Desk training and 24 trainees will be placed with TekSystems.

Earlier this year, DWD announced nearly $2.2 million in awards through 19 contracted grants serving 43 businesses and nearly 1,500 individuals with customized training projects.

The projects are all collective efforts involving the department's regional and local partners in workforce development, such as technical colleges and community-based organizations. In the months ahead, DWD will be awarding more grants.

The Division of Employment and Training is currently reviewing grant applications recently submitted for $3.1 million in funding available for more customized worker training projects. Wisconsin Fast Forward grants range from $5,000 to $400,000.

Awards require a 50% cash or in-kind employer match. The grant program is open to all industry sectors. The training must provide transferrable skills. Individuals eligible for training are current employees, underemployed workers, and the unemployed.

The program sets the following thresholds to receive funding. At a minimum:

• 85% of the participants must complete training;
• 65% must gain employment (the unemployed, hired; the employed, promoted);
• And 75% of current worker trainees receive pay raises.

In addition to the MKE Tech Hub award, the nearly $700,000 in contracted awards just announced are:

• $128,000 to MacDonald & Owen Lumber Co., in Luck, Polk County,
• $54,000 to MetalTek International, Watertown location, Jefferson County,
• $20,420 to Visions Upholstery & Canvas, LLC, Green Bay, Brown County,
• $40,370 to Luther Manor, A Life Plan Community, Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County,
• $31,730.00 to NEW Dermatology Group, Green Bay, Brown County,
• $25,575 grant to Stratford Homes, Stratford, Marathon County.

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