Wisconsin fast forward (WFF) is awarding up to $3 million to businesses from all Wisconsin industry sectors for Training Investments 

The Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) program is a state-funded grant program that provides employer-led worker training grants. The Office of Skills Development (OSD) at the Department of Workforce Development (DWD or Department) administers the grant program. OSD works to encourage the development of innovative solutions at the local and regional level that bring together employers, educators, workforce development entities, and economic development organizations to meet area workforce needs and increase the economic capacity of its residents.

Under this Grant Program Announcement (GPA), approximately $3 million is being made available to provide industry sector worker training grant awards that target unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers to qualify them for full-time employment, higher-level employment, wage increases, and/or industry-recognized credentials.

The application deadline is 3:00 p.m. CST on Friday, April 15, 2022.

Funding Details

  • Grant Amount: Grant awards range from $5,000 to $400,000 per grantee.

  • Match: Cash or in-kind match equal to 50% of the amount of the grant award is required.

  • Duration of Training Courses: Grants support projects comprised of one or more courses, each lasting no longer than 12 months.

  • Training Project Period: The training project period can be up to two years. This period begins no earlier than the date the grant contract is fully executed by all parties. All training activities must be completed during the Grant Period. These activities include curriculum development, training, pre- and post-training activities, wage increases, and match requirements.

  • Deliverables: Trainees must be hired in positions related to the training project. The deliverables proposed in the application will be incorporated as terms of the grant contract. The program requires grantees to achieve a minimum of the following:
    • Completion of Training – 85% 
    • Received Industry Recognized Credential – 75% 
    • Placement into Employment – 65%
    • Increased Wages – 75%
  • Outcomes: The training project should produce quantifiable outcomes and impacts for the employer, training participants, and the State of Wisconsin. The applicant should address projected outcomes for the proposed training program, such as incumbent employees retaining employment, earning higher wages, increasing skills attainment, and/or receiving industry-recognized credentials.

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