Press Release - Grant funds for Employee Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Cut the Cost of Employee Training 

Livingston Workforce Services and the Grundy Livingston Kankakee Workforce Board have training funds available to help area businesses retain their workforce and remain competitive in their industry.  The funding provides employers with a means of working with current and future employees who need to improve their skills. 

HR Magazine reports companies that invest $1,500 in training per employee can see an average of 24 percent more profit than companies that invest less.  With the Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program, businesses can be reimbursed 50% or more of the costs of training during the IWT period based upon the size of their company. The IWT program helps businesses develop and implement training programs for current employees who need new or upgraded skills in order to retain employment.  On-The-Job Training (OJT) is a “hire first” program that provides employers with a way to have new employees gain specific skills and employment competencies.  With OJT, businesses can be reimbursed up to 50% of the new employee's wages during the OJT training period, which is not to exceed 6 months. 

For businesses not interested in hiring, but are willing to provide short-term training to improve an individual’s employability, Livingston Workforce Services facilitates a Work Experience program.  This “internship” program promotes the development of good work habits and basic work skills for individuals with limited work experience.  The business provides the workload and supervision while, Livingston Workforce Services covers wages, taxes, and workers’ compensation insurance.  Businesses are under no obligation to hire individuals following the end of the internship. 
Businesses and individuals must meet certain criteria for these programs.  For more information on the On-The-Job Training or Work Experience programs, contact the Livingston Workforce Services office at 309-268-8280.  For more information on the Incumbent Worker Training program, contact Ladonna Russell, Grundy Livingston Kankakee Workforce Board Executive Director, at 815-935-0074.