Strategic Workforce Training Support Grant

Strategic Workforce Training Support Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Amount: US $2,600,000
Last Updated: March 25, 2026

Summary

The Workforce Training Support Program aims to assist Illinois manufacturers by providing financial support for workforce training. This initiative addresses the challenges of training and retaining skilled workers in the manufacturing sector. By covering up to 50% of training costs, the program encourages employers to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring a safe and productive work environment. This program supplements existing initiatives, ultimately strengthening the Illinois workforce and supporting local businesses.

Overview

Program Description The Workforce Training Support program will assist community employers in the training and retaining of our skilled workforce. It is without question a challenge for almost every manufacturer to obtain the necessary assistance to include financial support to provide the required training for their workforce. Structured educational programs designed to equip employees working in a manufacturing setting with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively and safely, including technical abilities, equipment operation, efficient process understanding, and adherence to safety protocols allows them to contribute productively on the production floor. In short, workforce training programs help Illinois manufacturers provide their workers with the skills necessary to be safe and productive, as well as grow our Illinois based businesses. This Illinois manufacturing program will supplement the Employer Training Investment Program in place. This grant will provide additional participating manufacturers assistance increasing the number of companies and employees and strengthening our workforce through our training programs. Grant Funds may be used to cover no more than 50% of a Participating Entity’s actual expenses related to the delivery of training for their full-time employees. Participating Entities will be required to fund an equal or greater match amount of the remaining eligible training. Grantee will be required to submit reports evidencing the total amount spent on training by all Participating Entities. Grantee will validate expenses of Participating Entities prior to requesting reimbursement from DCEO. Program History The Workforce Training Support program is a new training program but will mirror the already successful Employer Training Investment Program which exist across the State of Illinois through support from direct line-item appropriations

Eligibility

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