DWD Announces Wisconsin Fast Forward Jump Start Grant Program

Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.

Worker training grants available for entry-level workers

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced today that applications are being accepted for accelerated Wisconsin Fast Forward Jump Start grants that will help businesses tap into a new source of employees. Grant applications ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 will be considered. Deadline for applying is 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2018.

With the Wisconsin unemployment rate at or below 3 percent for the last nine consecutive months, employers are finding it challenging to find and retain workers, stretching their existing staff to bear the workload, including entry-level tasks.

By focusing on people who have never been employed or who are chronically underemployed, the Fast Forward Jump Start program will help employers recruit from an unconventional population and find entry-level employees to perform basic, yet crucial, job functions. The benefits from using entry-level workers include:

Employers can encourage the development of skills specifically needed by the employer while helping the employee develop work habits and interactions that fit the culture of the workplace.

Entry-level employees can accomplish basic tasks that are necessary to keep the company operational, freeing up the time of more seasoned employees to perform higher level work.

For employees, this grant will give them an opportunity to learn basic life and work skills and help them take the first step to a meaningful career.

Employers, consortia of employers or organizations are encouraged to apply for Jump Start grants to develop and implement a skills training program that will target entry-level workers. The program is open to all industry sectors. Grant applicants should prioritize recruiting potential trainees from at-risk, vulnerable or special populations.

To learn more about the accelerated Jump Start grant program, please visit http://wisconsinfastforward.com/wff_standard.htm.