The Pikes Peak Workforce Center has $160,000 in Employee Development Funds to award to companies who want to train or upskill their current employees.
The funds are made possible by the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, and must be used to train employees so that businesses can retain a skilled workforce or avert the need for layoffs.
Preference will be given to in-demand industries like IT and cybersecurity, manufacturing, health care, hospitality and tourism — and to companies whose training leads to expanded duties for employees.
Training can be work-based, virtual or classroom, and employers will choose the training that will best meet the needs of their company and their employees.
Past examples of training include:
- advanced programmable logic controllers
- value stream mapping
- customized ISO
- rapid cycle product innovation
- AC/DC electricity
- electrical schematics
- motors and controls
- multi-industry systems technician programming
- lean manufacturing
- Six Sigma
- business soft skills training (conflict resolution, strategic planning, resiliency training, critical thinking)
Employers must attend one of these virtual information sessions about how to apply:
10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17
10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18
2-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19
Register at formsite.com/ppwfc/EDF/index.html
The deadline for employers to apply is Friday, Feb. 3, and awardees will be chosen by Wednesday, Feb. 3. All training for employees must be completed by Thursday, June 15. For details visit ppwfc.org/funds-for-worker-training.