Click here for a guide to job and training programs available in the Berkshire region.
WORKFORCE TRAINING FUND
What is the Workforce Training Fund?
The Workforce Training Fund (WTFP) provides up to $200,000 in resources to Massachusetts businesses to train current and newly hired employees.
WTFP EXPRESS PROGRAM
Streamlined Access Smaller-Scale
- $20,000 maximum / calendar year
- Businesses with 100 or fewer Massachusetts employees are eligible for up to 100% reimbursement in training costs
- 3-week lead time
- Full reimbursement, up to $3,000 / person / course
- Apply for additional training as needed
- Express Course Directory *
WTFP GENERAL PROGRAM
Large-scale: 2-yr training projects strategic and customized
- $200,000 maximum / 2-year grant
- 90-day lead time
- Eligible businesses of any size may apply
- Customized training plan
- Company must match grant funds $1-to-$1 (includes
wage/fringe paid to trainees) - Outcome tracking & reporting required
- Applicant works w/ trainer(s) of choice
- 1-year waiting period between General Program Grants
Workforce Competitiveness
Trust Fund
The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund will provide up to $500,000 to the Berkshire Region to develop a sectoral training strategy for critical industries in the region. The BWB will be taking the lead in developing a strategy for the healthcare and applied technology industries in our region. We will also be partnering with Older Worker Community Based Organizations to apply for an older worker component to assist the travel/tourism and retail industries.
RETENTION
WorkSharing – WorkSharing allows workers in an entire company, a company department or even a small unit within the company to share reduced work hours while also collecting unemployment insurance benefits to supplement their reduced wages.
Training Pro – Approved training programs and providers.
Department of Revenue – Child Support Enforcement
Safety Training Program Grants – Department of Industrial Accidents – Monies for workplace safety training.
United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development – Business loans and grants.