Office of Workforce Development WEDnetPA to allocate $318,603 to businesses for training grants

ESU Logo

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on August 2, 2016, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University’s Office of Workforce Development was awarded $318,603 for fiscal year 2016-17 to support workforce training though the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA). Funding for WEDnetPA is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

The WEDnetPA program provides qualified companies with funds to train their employees in Essential Skills up to $450 per eligible employee and in Advanced Technology Skills up to $850 per eligible employee. Companies may qualify for a total of $75,000 for Essential Skills Training and $50,000 for Advanced Technology Training. Popular industry sectors utilizing WENnetPA funding include advanced manufacturing, information technology, life sciences, healthcare, and environmental companies.

The WednetPA eligibility requirements include:

  • Employers must be located in Pennsylvania or have a significant presence in the state.
  • Employees must earn at least 150% of current federal minimum wage, excluding benefits.
  • Trainees must be permanent full-time employees and eligible for full-time benefits.
  • Participation is limited to two years in a row and three out of the past five years.

Note: Point-of-sale retail businesses, gaming establishments, training vendors, employment agencies, government agencies, government-owned facilities, education and nonprofit entities are ineligible

The WEDnetPA is a collaborative partnership of community colleges and State System universities working together in response to the needs of Pennsylvania-based companies. Sharone Glasco, ESU director of workforce development, said, “Ongoing training for new and existing employees enhances workers’ skills and strengthens the Commonwealth’s business environment and global competitive advantage.”

ESU is a certified WEDnetPA partner authorized to apply for funding on a company’s behalf. To find out if your company is eligible visit www.wednetpa.com.

For additional information and to apply, contact Glasco at 570-422-7952 or sglasco@esu.edu.