Frequently Asked Questions

What is WisTRAIN?

The Wisconsin Training for Resilient Advanced Industry Needs (WisTRAIN) program is an employer-led occupational skills training initiative administered by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The grant program reimburses Wisconsin employers for a portion of the costs of training their employees in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI)-related fields.

WisTRAIN is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Industry-Driven Skills Training fund, a competitive federal grant program for state workforce agencies, and is part of Wisconsin's broader effort to strengthen the state's workforce.

What is the goal of WisTRAIN?

WisTRAIN is designed to help Wisconsin employers address workforce skill gaps by supporting employer-led training in high-demand technical areas. Through the program, employers identify workforce needs and design training solutions that align with current and emerging industry demands.

Training supported through WisTRAIN may focus on skills such as, but not limited to:

• Advanced manufacturing technologies and digital manufacturing tools
• The use and/or development of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation
• Robotics and digital production systems
• Industrial cybersecurity
• Data analytics

How much funding is available through WisTRAIN?

WisTRAIN has $6.6 million available to award. DWD expects to issue at least 20 grant awards. Key funding parameters are:

• A maximum reimbursement amount of $6,600 per trainee
• A maximum reimbursement amount of $330,000 per grantee or consortium
• Per DOL requirements, the maximum reimbursement rate is up to 80% of eligible training costs
• 70% of eligible training costs are reimbursable after training completion, and the additional 10% is reimbursable if the trainee retains employment with the grantee for at least six months after training completion.

Who is eligible to apply for WisTRAIN?

WisTRAIN is open to employers of any size operating in Wisconsin. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a business or consortium of businesses with operations in Wisconsin
• Propose training that supports occupations, technologies, or workforce needs related to advanced manufacturing, AI, or other related emerging industries identified in the WisTRAIN Grant Program Announcement
• Employ trainees in Wisconsin-based positions
• Be a legal entity registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
• Be financially viable and current on all federal and state tax obligations
• Not have filed a WARN and/or Wisconsin Business Closing and Mass Layoff (WBCML) layoff notice with DWD within the past six months and not have engaged in a workforce reduction that would otherwise require such notice.

Who is eligible to be a trainee under WisTRAIN?

Trainee requirements are as follows:

• Newly hired or incumbent workers employed by the employer applicant
• At least 17 years old
• Not currently enrolled in secondary school within a local educational institution
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Employed in a Wisconsin-based position

Both new hires (employed less than six months at the start of training) and incumbent workers (employed six months or longer) are eligible.

Grant funds may not be used to reimburse training for federal workers in any occupation or worksite. This restriction does not apply to federal contractors.

Can educational institutions or training organizations apply as a lead applicant?

No. WisTRAIN is for employers who take the lead in identifying workforce needs and designing training solutions for their employees. DWD will not accept applications from educational institutions or training organizations as lead applicants.

Educational institutions and training organizations that deliver training in target industries (advanced manufacturing and AI) are encouraged to work directly with employers to participate as a training partner in employer-led applications.

Can an employer submit multiple applications or participate in more than one way?

Yes. Employers may:

• Submit multiple individual applications for different training types
• Apply as a member of one or more consortia as the lead or participating employer
• Apply as both an individual employer and as part of a consortium

Note: Total WisTRAIN reimbursement across all approved awards will not exceed $330,000 per individual employer or consortium. (See the General Program Announcement for more details on this restriction.)

What is an employer consortium?

An employer consortium is a group of two or more employers that collaborate on a shared training initiative under a single WisTRAIN application. The consortium submits one application through a designated lead employer.

What are the responsibilities of the lead employer in a consortium?

The lead employer is responsible for all of the following:

• Serving as the primary point of contact with DWD
• Submitting the application and entering into the grant agreement on behalf of the consortium
• Managing grant funds and submitting all reimbursement requests to DWD
• Distributing reimbursement funds to participating consortium members
• Ensuring all consortium members comply with WisTRAIN requirements
• Collecting and submitting consolidated training and employment data to DWD

All reimbursement payments will be issued solely to the lead employer.

What documentation is required for consortium applications?

Employer consortium applications require additional coordination and documentation beyond the standard WisTRAIN application. Each participating employer, including the lead employer, must complete and sign a separate Employer Consortium Agreement.

How does the Consortium Agreement process work?

1. Share the Consortium Agreement link: The lead employer must provide the link to the Consortium Agreement to each participating employer. Each employer, including the lead employer, must complete and sign its own agreement. Lead employers should not complete the form on behalf of another employer.
2. Collect signed agreements: When a participating employer submits its completed agreement into the application system, the system will automatically send a copy to the lead employer's email address. Lead employers should do all of the following:
   • Monitor their inbox for completed agreements
   • Confirm that each consortium member has submitted a signed agreement
   • Follow up with employers that have not yet submitted documentation before the application deadline
3. Upload all agreements with the WisTRAIN application: Before submitting the WisTRAIN application, the lead employer must upload all signed Consortium Agreements, including the lead employer's own signed agreement. Each employer listed in the Consortium Member Summary section of the application must have a corresponding signed Consortium Agreement on file.

What is required from participating employers?

Each participating employer is responsible for all of the following:

• Completing its own Consortium Agreement
• Providing accurate organizational and contact information
• Signing and submitting the agreement to the lead employer before the application deadline

The lead employer cannot submit the WisTRAIN application for the consortium until all signed Consortium Agreements have been received.

How do participating employers submit their Consortium Agreements?

Participating employers should follow these steps:

1. Complete the Consortium Agreement - Open the Consortium Agreement form link provided by the lead employer and complete all required fields. Do not leave required fields blank. (The Consortium Agreement is available here.)
2. Enter the Lead Employer's Email Address - Before submitting the form, enter the lead employer's email address in the designated field. The system uses this address to automatically send the completed agreement to the lead employer. If you are unsure of the correct email address, contact the lead employer before submitting the form.
3. Submit the Form - After submission, the completed agreement will be sent automatically to the lead employer. (You will also receive a confirmation copy via email for your records.) Participating employers are encouraged to submit their agreements promptly to avoid delays that could impact the consortium's ability to meet the WisTRAIN application deadline.

What information will consortium applicants need to provide?

In addition to the standard WisTRAIN application requirements, consortium applications must identify:

• All participating employers
• The lead employer
• The number of trainees associated with each employer
• Funding allocations across consortium members
• How reimbursement funds will be distributed
• How trainee tracking, reporting, and coordination will be managed across the consortium

The lead employer is responsible for submitting the full grant application, including completed Consortium Agreements, and serving as the primary point of contact with DWD.

What happens if a Consortium Agreement is missing?

Incomplete consortium applications will not be reviewed. A missing Consortium Agreement for any participating employer, including the lead employer, will cause the application to be incomplete and will prevent the consortium from being considered for funding.

Does the $330,000 maximum apply to each employer in a consortium or to the whole consortium?

Both. The $330,000 maximum reimbursement applies to the consortium as a whole, regardless of the number of participating employers. The maximum reimbursement also applies to individual employers, meaning an individual employer's total WisTRAIN reimbursement across all approved awards (whether as an individual applicant, a lead employer, or a consortium member) may not exceed $330,000.

The grant application for a consortium must specify how funding will be allocated among participating employers and indicate the number of trainees from each employer.

How does WisTRAIN reimbursement work?

WisTRAIN is an employer reimbursement program. Employers pay all training costs upfront and then request reimbursement from DWD after required milestones are met. Reimbursement is issued following the completion of two phases:

• Milestone 1: Training completion
  • 70% of eligible training costs
• Milestone 2: Six-month employment retention
  • 10% of eligible training costs

Combined reimbursement for both milestones will not exceed 80% of eligible training costs or $6,600 per trainee.

What happens if a trainee does not complete training?

If a trainee does not successfully complete the training program, the employer will not be reimbursed for any part of that trainee's training costs. Reimbursement is contingent on successful training completion as the first milestone.

What happens if a trainee completes training but leaves before the six-month retention milestone?

If a trainee completes the training program but leaves before the six-month retention milestone, the employer will receive the 70% training completion reimbursement under milestone one but will not receive the additional 10% retention reimbursement under milestone two for that trainee. Each trainee's reimbursement is calculated individually.

Can a trainee participate in more than one WisTRAIN-funded training program?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• Training programs must occur sequentially. A trainee must successfully complete one program before beginning another
• A trainee participating simultaneously in multiple trainings is not eligible for reimbursement
• Each training must independently meet its own completion and six-month retention milestones
• Total reimbursement across all training programs may not exceed $6,600 per trainee

Are there employer match or contribution requirements?

There are no "match" requirements. However, under the requirements of DOL's grant program, WisTRAIN reimburses up to 80% of the eligible training costs. Grantees, therefore, are expected to contribute a minimum of 20% of the total cost of the training.

Further, per DOL, funds leveraged from other sources (e.g., other federal and/or state grants, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act incumbent worker training, Wisconsin Fast Forward, etc.) cannot be used by grantees to cover the difference in training costs for employers.

NOTE: DOL does not allow grant funds to be used for supportive services; however, grantees are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Development Board (WDB) to learn about other resources available to their trainees to ensure successful completion of their training, such as childcare, dependent care, transportation, mental health counseling, books, academic fees, supplies, parking, housing, etc.

Are wages paid to employees during training an eligible cost?

It depends on the type of training:

• Wages paid to employees for time spent in classroom (other than as required by a Registered Apprenticeship program) or other non-work-based training (i.e., while they are not performing their regular job duties) are NOT eligible for reimbursement.
• Wages paid to employees for work performed during structured work-based learning activities, such as on-the-job training (OJT) or Registered Apprenticeship, are considered training costs and may be eligible for reimbursement.

Work-based learning wages must be supported by a documented training plan and time allocations that clearly demonstrate the training component of the activity.

What types of training are eligible for reimbursement?

WisTRAIN supports the following training types:

• Classroom instruction (in-person or virtual): structured instruction by a qualified instructor
• Customized employer training programs: training designed to meet specific workforce needs of one or more employers
• Technology-based or simulation training: training using technology tools or simulated work environments
• On-the-Job Training (OJT): structured, supervised training while the employee performs productive work
• Registered Apprenticeship: training activities tied to a Registered Apprenticeship program

Examples of eligible training topics include robotics programming, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, AI-enabled manufacturing systems, industrial cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital manufacturing.

What are the specific requirements for On-the-Job Training (OJT)?

OJT is training provided to a trainee by an employer while the trainee is engaged in productive work. To be eligible for WisTRAIN reimbursement, OJT must:

• Be based on a documented training plan or skills progression
• Address specific occupational competencies required for the trainee's position
• Result in measurable skill gains related to the trainee's job duties
• Be time-limited and focused on skill development beyond routine job orientation
• Include supervision or instruction by experienced staff or trainers

Employers proposing OJT must clearly distinguish between structured training activities and routine job duties. WisTRAIN reimburses only the portion of work-based learning that is directly associated with skill development, not the time an employee spends performing their regular assigned duties.

What information is required in the application for On-the-Job Training or Registered Apprenticeship?

Applications proposing OJT or Registered Apprenticeship must include additional details to demonstrate the training is structured and skills focused. Specifically, applicants must address:

• Skills gap: The current skill level of trainees, the target occupation or competency level, and the specific technical skills to be developed. The skills gaps must reflect new or enhanced occupational competencies in advanced manufacturing, AI, or related technologies. General onboarding or routine job training is not sufficient.
• Training hours: The total number of training hours per trainee, estimated training hours per week, and the overall duration of the training period. Training hours should reflect structured skill development activities.
• Work-based learning structure: How training is organized by phase, competency, or progression level, and how measurable skill gains will be documented.

Applicants proposing OJT or Registered Apprenticeship are strongly encouraged to review the additional guidance in the WisTRAIN Grant Program Announcement before completing their application.

What costs are eligible for reimbursement?

Eligible costs include reasonable and necessary expenses directly related to the delivery of approved training activities, such as:

• Tuition or enrollment fees charged by a training provider
• Instructor or trainer fees
• Costs for developing or delivering customized training programs
• Instructional materials (manuals, workbooks, course materials)
• Training-specific supplies
• Industry-recognized credential examination and certification testing fees
• Fees for online training platforms or learning management systems
• Simulation-based training tools or software licenses used for training
• A portion of trainee wages during approved OJT or Registered Apprenticeship training
• Wages for trainers or mentors providing instruction during the training period

What costs are not eligible for reimbursement?

Ineligible costs include:

• Administrative or overhead expenses of the employer or training provider
• Costs for preparing or submitting the WisTRAIN application
• Grant management or reporting costs
• Trainee wages for time spent on in-classroom training, or non-work-based learning
• Capital equipment purchases or machinery used for general business operations
• Real estate purchases, construction, renovation, or unrelated facility costs
• Training that occurs before the grant agreement is executed or after the approved training period
• Traditional K-12 education programs or degree programs not related to the trainee's job
• Supportive services such as transportation, childcare, housing, food, tools, uniforms
• Career services including career counseling, job placement, and resume writing

Note: No costs incurred prior to the execution of the grant agreement are eligible for reimbursement.

Do training providers need to be on Wisconsin's Eligible Training Programs List (ETPL)?

No. WisTRAIN does not require training providers to be on the ETPL. However, the ETPL may be a useful resource for identifying potential training programs or providers. Training providers must be able to document training delivery and training completion as required by DWD.

When can employers apply for WisTRAIN?

The initial application period opens May 28, 2026, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m., CDT on July 13, 2026, for the first funding review. Applications will be reviewed after July 13, 2026. If funding is available thereafter, applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all available funds are awarded. Interested employers are strongly encouraged to apply before the July 13 deadline.

What information will I be asked to provide on my WisTRAIN application?

Employers applying for WisTRAIN will be asked to provide information about their organization, proposed training project, budget, and expected workforce outcomes. The application is designed to help DWD understand the employer's training need, structure of the proposed training, and anticipated impact on workers and the business.

At a high level, applicants should expect to provide the following:

Organizational Information

• Employer or organization name
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) registration number
• Wisconsin location information
• Number of full-time employees
• A brief description of the organization
• Primary and fiscal contact information

Consortium applications must also identify all participating employers and include a signed Consortium Agreement for each member.

Project and Training Information

• A description of the proposed training project
• Workforce challenge or skills gap being addressed
• Occupations and technical skills involved
• Number of trainees
• Whether trainees are newly hired or incumbent workers
• Proposed training timeline
• Type(s) of training being provided
• Industry area(s) supported by the project

Training Plan Narrative

• Training components and curriculum
• Training providers and instructors
• Schedule and duration of training
• Specific technical skills trainees will gain
• How the training aligns with advanced manufacturing, AI, or related technologies
• Expected business and workforce impacts
• How trainee progress and completion will be tracked

Applications involving OJT or Registered Apprenticeship must also describe:

• Existing skills gaps
• Structured training activities
• Training hours
• Skills progression and/or measurable skills gains that will be attained

Budget Information

• Estimated total training costs
• WisTRAIN reimbursement requested
• Employer contribution amount
• Cost breakdown by training component
• Budget justification explaining why costs are necessary and reasonable

Eligibility Certifications - Applicants must attest that they meet all eligibility criteria identified in the WisTRAIN Grant Program Announcement and acknowledge that WisTRAIN is a reimbursement-based program and that employers are responsible for covering costs upfront pending reimbursement.

How will applications be reviewed and selected?

Applications will be scored out of 50 points. Applicants must score at least 25 points (50%) to qualify for an award. DWD will assemble a review team to evaluate complete applications against the scoring criteria outlined in the WisTRAIN Application. Key factors include:

• Alignment with WisTRAIN program priorities
• Demonstrated employer need for training
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed training plan
• Anticipated impact on worker skill development and business competitiveness
• Employer commitment to supporting the training initiative

Funding decisions may also consider geographic distribution, representation across key industries in Wisconsin, and the availability of funds. DWD may approve, partially fund, or decline applications. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

Are there preference points available?

Yes. While not required for eligibility, additional preference points may be awarded during scoring to applicants that:

• Are small businesses with fewer than 100 full-time employees (or consortia comprised of a majority small businesses) (2 points)
• Develop or use training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials or certifications (2 points)

How do I submit a WisTRAIN application?

Completed applications must be submitted electronically through the WisTRAIN online application. Consortium applications must also include a signed Employer Consortium Agreement for each participating employer.

When can employers expect a decision after applying?

The first funding review will take place about 45 days after the application period opens. Applications reviews will begin after July 13, 2026. If funding remains available after the initial review, DWD will continue to accept and review applications on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted. Applicants selected for funding will be notified in writing by DWD.

When can training begin?

Training may begin only after the grant agreement (contract) between the employer and DWD is fully executed. Costs incurred prior to contract execution are not eligible for reimbursement. The official start date will be established in the executed agreement.

How long is the grant period?

Each WisTRAIN award includes two phases:

• Training Phase
  • Up to 24 months; all training must be completed by Sept. 30, 2028
• Retention Phase
  • Six months following training completion; employment retention must be attained no later than March 31, 2029
• Total Grant Period
  • Up to 30 months

What data will employers need to collect and report?

Employers are not required to submit individual trainee data at the time of application. However, if selected for an award, employers must be prepared to collect and provide the following information:

Prior to contract execution:

• Trainee(s) name, date of birth, Social Security Number (if provided), sex, ethnicity, race, and veteran status
• Employment status at enrollment (newly hired or incumbent worker)
• Training O*NET code

For quarterly reporting and initial reimbursement (training completion):

• Training start and end dates, type of training, and O*NET code
• Training completion status (yes/no)
• Credential type and date attained (if applicable)
• Reason for exit if training was not completed

For quarterly reporting and final reimbursement (retention):

• Confirmation of continued employment for six months following training completion

Employers must submit quarterly reports that include:

• Required program data with highlighted changes
• A brief narrative (no more than a paragraph) describing changes during the previous quarter.

DWD will provide standardized reporting templates for data and narrative reporting, instructions, and guidance on acceptable documentation. Final reimbursement payments may be withheld until all required data and documentation are submitted and verified.

Is Employee Social Security Number (SSN) collection required?

SSN collection is authorized under federal regulation (20 CFR § 677.175(a)(2)) for the purpose of tracking employment outcomes. However:

• Providing an SSN is voluntary for the individual employee
• Individuals cannot be denied participation for choosing not to provide an SSN
• If an employee agrees to provide their SSN, the employer must report it as required

If an SSN is not provided, the employer must be able to provide alternative documentation to verify employment and wage outcomes for up to 12 months after the project ends.

What documentation is required for reimbursement?

Employers must submit documentation verifying that training milestones have been completed. In most cases, employers may rely on standard business and HR records. Documentation may include:

• Payroll records, pay stubs, or tax records (e.g., W-2, quarterly payroll filings)
• Training plans, attendance records, or training logs
• Completion records, certificates, or credential award documentation
• Apprenticeship or OJT documentation
• Employer verification letters or internal HR records
• Invoices or receipts for eligible training costs
• Training provider contracts or agreements

DWD may request additional documentation. All reimbursement requests are subject to DWD review and approval.

How long must records be retained?

Grantees must retain all financial records, training documentation, and supporting materials for at least three years following the end of the grant period of performance, or longer if required by federal or state policies. DWD, the U.S. Department of Labor, or other authorized entities may review records to verify compliance.

Are partnerships required?

Partnerships are not required but are strongly encouraged. Employers may collaborate with a wide range of organizations to design and deliver effective training, including:

• Wisconsin local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs)
• Wisconsin technical colleges or universities
• Industry associations or sector partners
• Certified pre-apprenticeship programs and/or apprenticeship related instruction
• Nonprofit or community-based organizations
• Labor unions
• Economic development organizations

Partnerships with local WDBs and/or Wisconsin's Job Center Programs are particularly encouraged to help address trainees' supportive service needs.

If an employer receives this grant, are the training materials in the public domain?

All training costs are paid up front by employers. Since grant funds will not be used, in whole or in part, to develop any training, curriculum, intellectual property, or other materials, grant recipients are not required to ensure that those materials are developed using an open license. Open licensing is only required when grant funds are used directly in the development of materials. Public domain and intellectual property requirements do not apply to training materials purchased or developed by the employer.

Who can I contact with questions about WisTRAIN?

Questions about WisTRAIN can be directed to:

• Email: WisTRAIN@dwd.wisconsin.gov
  Use company name only in subject line for message delivery.

What technical assistance is available to applicants?

DWD may provide technical assistance through informational webinars, guidance materials, or direct consultation during the application period. Employers are also encouraged to contact their local Workforce Development Board for assistance identifying training providers, developing training plans, or preparing an application.

Can our organization request a presentation about WisTRAIN?

Yes. Please complete DWD's Training or Speaker Request form to arrange a presentation of WisTRAIN. Requests will be filled as time allows.