The Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) helps address business productivity and competitiveness by providing resources to Massachusetts businesses to fund training for current and newly hired employees.
In order to qualify for a workforce training fund grant, businesses must pay into the Fund. All for-profit companies automatically pay into the fund. If you are a non-profit, Click here to learn if you qualify. Government agencies are not eligible to apply.
While available to businesses of all sizes, the WTFP focuses on small to medium-sized businesses that would not be able to invest in improving employee skills without the assistance of the Fund.
There are three programs to which businesses may apply:
General Program
Express Program
Direct Access Program
General Program Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are awarded competitively to Massachusetts employers (or a consortium of employers) to train their current and newly hired full-time and part-time employees (i.e., incumbent workers). Each year, more than $14 million in General Program Training Grants are expected to be awarded. Applications are accepted and grants are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year. Click here for more information or to apply.
Businesses with 100 or fewer employees that contribute to the Workforce Training Fund are eligible to apply for an Express Grant. All for-profit companies automatically pay into the fund. If you are a non-profit, Click here to learn if you qualify. Government agencies are not eligible to apply.Click here for more information about or to apply for an Express Program grant.
The Direct Access Program addresses smaller-scale training needs by making training slots available free of charge to businesses that are eligible for the Workforce Training Fund. Businesses should consider the pilot program when:
- The scope and scale of training needs are smaller than what would be proposed in a General Program application
- Training needs cannot be easily met by a consortium or Express Program grant
18 training programs have been funded across Massachusetts to train employees in such topics as process improvement, computer skills, supervisory skills, and more. To learn more about training opportunities, view the list of Direct Access Training Providers. Businesses should reach out to the contacts listed in the training providers list for more information or to register for a course.
Click here for more information about or to apply for the Direct Access Program.