North Carolina's Incumbent Workforce Development Program under the federal Workforce Investment Act broadens the scope of the state's existing incumbent worker initiative. The Program provides funding to established North Carolina businesses to provide educational and skills training for current workers. It is designed to benefit businesses by enhancing the skills of employees, thereby increasing employee productivity and the potential for company growth. Training in portable skills results in a more highly skilled and versatile workforce that contributes to North Carolina's ability to attract new business and creates an environment conducive to expansion.
Businesses interested in applying for Incumbent Worker Program funding can develop a training proposal in conjunction with the local Workforce Development Board. The local Workforce Development Board is responsible for administration, oversight, reporting, and monitoring the Incumbent Workforce Program.
Employers should contact their local Workforce Development Board prior to completing the application for a brief Incumbent Worker Program orientation. This gives the company and the appropriate local board staff the opportunity to:
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Review the Incumbent Worker Program Guidelines
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Highlight restrictions
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Discuss training priorities and needs
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Explain the contracting process and cost reimbursement
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Discuss the time schedule for application submission to the Commission on Workforce Development.
Local Workforce Development Boards have an established deadline for the submission of applications to their offices. Execution of the review process does not imply a start date for training. The local board will notify the business in writing when training may begin.
There is a maximum funding level of $37,500 in a single grant year; however, a company may apply for a subsequent grant(s) to reach the lifetime maximum funding of $50,000 which includes a company, its parent and subsidiaries throughout North Carolina.
For contact information on the Workforce Development Board in your area, click on link below:
http://old.ncjoblink.com/centers2/centerview.asp?type=w
For more information about the Incumbent Worker Program, refer to the documents below:
Incumbent Worker Guidelines 8 07
Incumbent Worker Application 8 07
N.C. Incumbent Worker Proposal Rating Scoring Criteria
N.C. Incumbent Worker Development Program Brochure
Funded IWT Projects as of Jan 08.pdf