Northwest Wisconsin Businesses Get Workforce Training Grants

EAU CLAIRE, Wis (WCFW / WHSM / WBZH) – Three northwest Wisconsin businesses have received workforce training grant funding through the Department of Workforce Development.

In a press release on Wednesday the agency announced nearly $2.3 million in funding awards through the Wisconsin Fast Forward program. The grant funding is meant to reimburse businesses for the cost of occupational training for their workforce. The grants are also targeted at fields of need in the state, including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

The program’s goal is to support local businesses as well as promote career growth and wage increases for their employees. The most recent round of grant funding was distributed to 18 businesses across the state, including three in the Northwest Wisconsin region.

The West Eau Claire Rehabilitation and Nursing Center will receive $42,846 in partnership with the Healthcare Workforce Training Institute. The funding will be used to train 30 current nursing assistants to become certified as medication aids. The additional certification could also raise their wages by over $4.50 per hour.

Riverside Machine and Engineering in Eau Claire County will also receive $49,702. That funding will be used to train current employees on sales skills and managing change.

Epicurean Cutting Surfaces in Douglas County will receive $36,609. That grant funding will be used to train nine current employees in manufacturing and the implementation of new processes. A number of Douglas County businesses could also see additional grant funding available over the next few years.

Governor Tony Evers has been looking to designate the county as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone ahead of the Blatnik Bridge Reconstruction project. The designation would allow local businesses to access federal contracts set aside for HUBZones.