ESU’s Office of Workforce Development Awarded $274,688 to Support Workforce Training Through WEDnetPA

Posted by: admin on September 11, 2014, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s Office of Workforce Development was awarded $274,688 for fiscal year 2014-15 to support workforce training through 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 the areas of “Essential Skills” (up to $450 per eligible employee, maximum of $75,000 per company) and “Advanced Technology Skills” (up to $850 per eligible employee, maximum of $50,000 per company). Funding is available primarily to manufacturing and information technology-based industries including financial, biotech and environmental companies.

The deadline to apply for WEDnetPA training funds is Tuesday, September 30, 2014. The following eligibility requirements must be met: employers must be based in Pennsylvania or have a significant presence in the state; employees must earn at least 150% of current federal minimum wage, excluding benefits; jobs must be permanent full-time positions eligible for full-time benefits, and participation is limited to two years in a row and three out of the past five years.

Please note that point-of-sale retail businesses, gaming establishments, training vendors, employment agencies, government agencies, government-owned facilities, education and nonprofit entities are not eligible.

“WEDnetPA’s mission is to improve the skill level and productivity in Pennsylvania’s workforce to strengthen the business environment of the Commonwealth,” said Sharone Glasco, director of workforce development at ESU. “Ongoing training for new and existing employees enhances business opportunities to increase skillsets, improve efficiencies, support professional development and remain competitive in a global economy.”

East Stroudsburg University 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.