WEDnetPA Announces New & Enhanced Guidelines
Posted June 3, 2020 at 8:30 amThe Pennsylvania Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) announced they are increasing company funding limits, as well as allowing greater flexibility in supporting the training needs of regional companies for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. This change is welcomed and much needed, particularly now that Pennsylvania unemployment rates have risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One major change includes a significant increase in company sectors eligible to apply for WEDnetPA state grants. The menu has broadened well beyond the manufacturing and technology sectors that the program was initially created for. This has been expanded to the point that it’s easier to list companies that are not eligible rather than listing the ones that are eligible.
In addition to the expanded eligibility list, WEDnetPA has widened the types of training and number of employees that can be funded and trained. Contrary to previous years, the new 2020-2021 guidelines for employee training does not have to directly relate to the employee’s current job, which will provide more growth and advancement opportunities for many in our regional workforce.
“Career Services and Workforce Development at Penn Highlands is very excited about the recent Pennsylvania state workforce training grant guideline expansions for the fiscal 2020-2021 year,” stated Larry Brugh, Dean of Career Services and Workforce Development at Penn Highlands Community College. “In our role as a state-sanctioned administrator of these funds, this is the first time in 20 years that we have seen new industry sectors added to the eligibility list. We look forward to working with all the existing and new company partners in facilitating this great investment for our region’s economy.”
The improved WEDnetPA process only requires one application, a training plan, and a contract. Companies may receive up to $2,000 in training funds per employee and the funds are completely employer-driven, meaning the employer may choose the type of training, the methodology of training, and the trainer. For more information on WEDnetPA and their partners, visit www.wednetpa.com.