Description: The fund provides resources to Massachusetts businesses and workers to train current and newly hired employees. Its goal is to help improve employee skills and maintain the economic strength of the Commonwealth’s businesses. The Division of Career Services (DCS), an agency of the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, administers the Workforce Training Fund.

The Workforce Training Fund Express is targeted to small employers with a maximum of 50 employees in Massachusetts, and labor organizations. It features an easy-to-complete online application, an online database of training providers, open application period and quick turnaround. The maximum grant amount is $15,000 annually, and Express funds cannot exceed $3,000 per trainee per course.

How it Works: Employers are able to submit an online application (www.detma.org/worforce) or download an application in PDF format. All applications undergo an internal staff screening. The Workforce Training Fund Advisory Panel sets broad policies and oversees all funding. The Advisory Panel consists of nine members representing business and labor organizations.

Applications can be submitted anytime, there are no deadlines. Grant decisions are made within 21 days of filing the application. Business or labor organizations will be reimbursed 50% of the total cost of training after the training is completed. Training courses must be selected from the pre-approved list of vendors. All trainees must be employed in Massachusetts; they are not required to live in the state. Trainees must not be government employees. All training must be job-related. Training must start within 6 weeks to 6 months of the grant award. The training can not be more 12 months.

Advantages: Program offers an easy-to-complete online application with a quick turnaround.

Eligibility: Businesses with 50 or fewer employees in Massachusetts - including all plants and branches – and labor organizations with unlimited membership may apply. All applicants must pay into the Workforce Training Fund and must be current with their unemployment insurance payments.

Additional Information: A certified copy of a certificate in good standing from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue must be provided by any WTF grant awardees prior to the receipt of grant funds. Assistance and additional information can be obtained by calling: (800)-252-1591, e-mailing: WTF@detma.org or writing: The Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Express Program, Division of Career Services, 19 Staniford Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114