Technical Skills Training Grant (ND)

Technical Skills Training Grant (ND)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: North Dakota Department of Commerce
Amount: Up to US $200,000
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The Technical Skills Training Grant (ND) is designed to support workforce development by funding training programs for displaced workers, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With three tracks, the grant offers financial assistance for non-degree training, internal upskilling, and automation-related training. Track A can provide up to $200,000, while Tracks B and C offer up to $100,000 and $200,000 respectively. This initiative aims to create a skilled workforce to meet labor market demands.

Overview

NOTE: Applications will be reviewed in the order received. Funds will be awarded until all program allocated funds are secured under a grant agreement. Technical Skills Training Grant (ND) The Technical Skills Training grant was first developed in 2020 in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program supported new and expanding accelerated skilled workforce training programs for displaced workers. The Technical Skills Training grant program aims to offset the cost for program providers and employers in their effort to support the development of highly trained skilled workers to meet the demands of our labor market. Since the initial launch of this program, the following legislative assemblies provided additional funding to keep the program operational. This program has three tracks, each focused on developing or expanding a highly skilled workforce: Track A reflects the initial intent of this grant program and is designed for new and expanding accelerated, non-degree training programs that prepare trainees for new jobs. Programs in Track A may be eligible for up to $200,000. Programs in Track A are not for incumbent workers. Track B is designed for companies wishing to provide internal upskilling opportunities for their existing staff to promote movement and advancement throughout the organization, create more comprehensive onboarding and new worker training programs, and/or provide safety training for employees. Programs in Track B may be eligible for up to $100,000 with a dollar-for-dollar match throughout the lifetime of the grant program. Track C is designed to support workforce automation enhancement including but not limited to training and/or upskilling existing employees related to automation that has been implemented prior to the funding period; or to new or enhanced strategies, not to include the actual purchase of automation equipment. Programs in Track C may be eligible for up to $200,000 for training and or upskilling existing workforce related to automation. Applicants for Track C may apply for up to $100,000 for a feasibility study, related to automation.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants include North Dakota colleges and universities, businesses, eligible training providers, non-profit organizations, city/county municipals, and/or trades organizations/associations in North Dakota.Note: Degree programs are not eligible for funding under this grant.Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office.Training must take place in North Dakota.Majority of program participants must reside and intend to work in North Dakota.If tuition or training costs are part of the proposed application, the applicant may not pay those funds directly to the individuals receiving the education or training; the funds must be paid to the organization providing the education or training.Jobs for which workers are being trained must be on the In-Demand Occupations ListEligible grant fund expenses: Curriculum development to subcontractors Equipment (excluding automation) Tools and supplies for trainees Technology to offer virtual training Recruitment of participants Scholarships for participants, except for Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) participants A minimum of 5 scholarship participants is required for this to be an eligible expense Scholarships must align with in-demand occupations Scholarships must be awarded and used within the grant agreement period Training and/or certification for instructors

Ineligibility

Expenses applicable to the project expended prior to the award date (will not be considered for match) Travel and lodging for instructor training and/or certification Infrastructure, land, or building expenses (will not be considered for match) Operational expenses (including but not limited to salary/fringe, organizational operations, and indirect costs) Note: This grant cannot supplant an existing budget. This grant may not be used to create a scholarship fund or account.