PRESS RELEASE. Dated Material. For questions, contact Amy Dowell, 864-941-8050.

The Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWT) provides funding for training needed in current businesses due to: expansion, new technology, retooling, new services/products lines and new organizational structuring or as a part of layoff aversion strategy.

IWT Funds are available through the Workforce Investment Act to train currently employed workers. The Upper Savannah Area, which consists of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda Counties, was awarded $144,800 to contract with area businesses.

Because funding is limited, a panel from the Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board will rate applications based on the cost-effectiveness of the investment. Priority for funding will be given to 1) Businesses whose applications represent a significant upgrade in employee skills and/or employee wage increases as a result of training, 2) Businesses whose training applications reflect a significant layoff avoidance strategy and provide retention opportunities, 3) Businesses/Business Sites who have not received an Incumbent Worker Training Program award during the prior or current program year and 4) Businesses with less than 50 employees.

Businesses should note that this year funding will be limited to $10,000 per business. Training must begin no later than September 15, 2010 and end no later than December 31, 2010.

Refresher and periodic safety courses cannot be funded.

Upper Savannah Council of Governments will contract with the selected business (es) to write an agreement for incumbent worker training. Costs will be reimbursed after the business provides the training services specified in the contract. Reimbursable training expenses include instructor’s/trainers’ salaries, curriculum development, textbooks/manuals, and materials/supplies.

Upper Savannah Council of Governments must receive applications by noon, Friday, June 25, 2010. Applications received after noon, June 25, 2010 will be placed on a waiting list.

IWT Application
Guidelines
Announcement
Sample Forms