• Grants will be awarded to upgrade the skills and productivity of employees of established businesses operating in Wisconsin, with the additional objective of supporting regional workforce and economic development efforts.

• Awarded funds promote increased investment in the development of incumbent workers, improve Wisconsin businesses’ productivity and competitiveness, augment the state’s economic base, support career pathways and expand technical college training and technical assistance services to businesses and industry.

• Training must focus on occupational skills but can include a combination of occupational, academic, and employability topics or courses. Grants will also be considered for market expansion or business diversification services to established Wisconsin businesses. 

• Instruction to be provided using Fox Valley Technical College resources and capacity. 

• Grants are awarded through a competitive process. 

Employers will be active partners committing resources to assure project success and achievement of training outcomes. Employers will:

• Begin training within 90 days of the grant award notification

• Deploy on-site coaching, development planning and performance support when appropriate to reinforce and sustain newly acquired workplace skills

• Invest company training funds—a 50% training match—to cover indirect, administration and non-allowable training costs

• Promote advising and career advancement services from FVTC Career Pathway advocates for trainees interested in pursuing additional education

• Report performance outcomes via the WTCS Economic Impact Survey within 30 days of project completion

The confidential Request for Consideration will be evaluated to determine which employers Fox Valley Technical College can partner with for annual WAT grants applications. Every attempt is made to build grant projects that represent the diverse training needs of regional employers recognizing not all training may be eligible for grant support.

Outcomes-focused training projects that build the skills of employees will be given priority. Additional consideration will be given to projects that:

• Link activities to a current and clearly defined business challenge

• Increase employees' wages in the short term

• Improve employees' job and career opportunities in the short term

• Implement activities related to career pathways

• Strengthen the local, regional or state economy

Frequently-requested training categories can include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced Technologies & Manufacturing

• Computer & Digital Technology

• Construction

• Customer Service & Sales

• Healthcare

• Interpersonal & Team 

• Lean Six Sigma

• Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Transportation

• Worker, Supervisor & Leader Effectiveness

Complete this confidential Training Grant Request for Consideration form which includes a forecasted training plan for FVTC to assess if available training grant programs align to your project and timeline.

WAT Grant Request for Consideration

Not sure where to start? Share your interest with the WAT Grant advisor for more details and a complimentary consultation.

Mary Frozena, WAT Grant Advisor
P: 920-735-2487 | E: frozena@fvtc.edu