U.S. States That Will Fund Your SOLIDWORKS Training

Across the nation, GoEngineer customers utilize government grants, funds, and similar programs to offset the cost of purchasing GoEngineer’s SOLIDWORKS training courses.  

To make SOLIDWORKS training more accessible for businesses who otherwise can’t afford the costs, we’ve put together a list of state-wide training grants that your company can tap into today.

Alabama

Alabama Incumbent Workers Training Program

Alabama’s Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) provides funding for customized employee training to existing businesses. IWTP provides employees with new and/or upgraded job skills that are vital for the company to maintain competitiveness in a global economy, while also providing job security for the workers. The business selects an outside training provider that best fits its needs. Funding may be used for training fees, tuition, curriculum development, and books/materials. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce/Workforce Development Division.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://wioa-alabama.org/incumbent-training/

Alaska

Alaska State Training and Employment Program

The Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) requests grant applications for training projects in priority industries under the State Training and Employment Program. STEP is funded by a percentage of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and is appropriated by the Alaska State Legislature.

The purpose of STEP is to enhance the quality and accessibility of in-state training and employment services for Alaska residents. In addition, STEP seeks to increase resident employment in industries where a high number of nonresidents are working, reduce future unemployment claims, and foster economic growth in all regions by meeting employer demand for a skilled workforce.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=218139

California

California Employment Training Portal

The Employment Training Panel (ETP) has remained California’s premier program for supporting job creation and retention, through training. ETP is funded by a special tax on California employers and differs from other workforce development organizations whose emphasis is on pre-employment training. ETP fulfills its mission by reimbursing the cost of employer-driven training for incumbent workers and funding the type of training needed by unemployed workers to re-enter the workforce. ETP’s program helps to ensure that California businesses will have the skilled workers they need to remain competitive.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://etp.ca.gov/

Colorado 

Skill Advance Colorado - First and Existing Industry Job Training Grant 

Colorado First and Existing Industry Job Training Grant Programs support Colorado’s workforce development by providing grants to both existing businesses and those locating or expanding into Colorado. For eligibility, businesses must contribute at least 40% (cash or in-kind) to the total costs of grant-funded training. Businesses can receive up to $1,650 per employee every year with the Colorado First (CF) customized training grant and up to $1,400 per employee every other year with the Existing Industry customized training program. 

The programs are jointly administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), and are locally administered by participating community colleges. 

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://oedit.colorado.gov/skill-advance-colorado-job-training-grant

Connecticut 

CT Manufacturing Innovation Fund Incumbent Worker Training (MIF IWT) 

The IWT program is a matching grant program that offers financial reimbursement to manufacturing companies for providing up-skill training to their employees. The program will reimburse between $2,500 and $50,000 of training costs annually and a total maximum of $100,000 per Connecticut-based employer. Employers must match 50% of training costs to be eligible for this program.   

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology administers the program with funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Manufacturing Innovation Fund. 

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://ctiwt.ccat.us/

Delaware 

Workforce Training Grants 

The Delaware Division of Small Business offers Workforce Training grants that help fund customized training related to new and innovative processes or programs, machinery, or technology-related upgrades. The program will award up to $100,000 per project to eligible Delaware entities. Employers must match 50% of training costs to qualify for this program.   

For more information and to apply, visit: https://business.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/118/2018/09/Division-of-Small-Business-Workforce-Training-Grant-Application-Form_NEW.pdf  

Florida

Career Source Florida – Florida’s Incumbent Worker Training Grants

When workers lack needed training, businesses experience skills gaps. A company’s ability to retain workers, grow and prosper can be compromised. Florida’s Incumbent Worker Training grants can help. The program provides grants for continuing education and training of current full-time employees at Florida companies.

With a focus on helping Florida’s small businesses, the grants reimburse companies up to 75 percent for pre-approved training costs. Companies choose their training provider based on the skills needed. Applying online is easy and approval is quick.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://careersourceflorida.com/business-services/training-grants/iwt/

Idaho

Idaho Workforce Development Council

Employer Grants are available to Idaho employers who are increasing their current workforce and/or retraining existing workers with skills necessary for specific economic opportunities or industrial expansion initiatives.

All Employer Grant applications are reviewed by the WDC’s Grant Review Committee. The Grant Review Committee will review applications quarterly. We strongly recommend you submit applications as soon as possible. Once your application is submitted, you will be contacted by WDC staff regarding the timeframe in which your grant will be reviewed.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://wdc.idaho.gov/grants/#employer-grant

Kansas

Kansas Incumbent Worker Training

Kansas Incumbent Worker Training provides employers with the opportunity to build and maintain a quality workforce and increase competitiveness. It is a type of work-based training designed to ensure employees of a company can acquire the skills necessary to retain employment and advance within the company, or to acquire the skills necessary to avert a layoff.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/workforce-services/incumbent-worker-training/

Kentucky

Bluegrass State Skills Corporation

The importance of a skilled workforce has never been greater. As companies think globally, it is vital that Kentucky's workforce be prepared to meet the hiring demands of employers. The Cabinet for Economic Development plays a significant role in keeping Kentucky's businesses competitive in the global economy by providing financial assistance to train their workforce. Through the Cabinet’s Grant-in-Aid and Skills Training Investment Credit, the Kentucky Skills Network provides incentives to support Kentucky business’ efforts to help new and existing employees stay competitive through flexible, employer-driven skills-upgrade training.

The competitive Grant-in-Aid (GIA) provides cash reimbursements for occupational and skills upgrade training at Kentucky businesses. The Skills Training Investment Credit (STIC) offers state income tax credits for companies to offset the costs for approved training programs.

Businesses involved in manufacturing, agribusiness, nonretail service or technology, headquarters operations, hospital operations, coal severing and processing, alternative fuel, gasification, renewable energy production or carbon dioxide transmission pipelines may be eligible for BSSC incentives.  Training consortia may also qualify for the GIA program.

Applications for both programs are accepted and considered for approval by the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Board of Directors at scheduled meetings throughout the year.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://newkentuckyhome.ky.gov/Workforce/BSSC

Maryland

Maryland Business Works

The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning’s mission is to ensure businesses have the skilled workforce they need to compete in the global marketplace, and to build a strong pipeline of qualified workers by reaching jobseekers – especially individuals with barriers to employment – with the workforce system’s employment and training resources.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/mbw.shtml

Partnership for Workforce Quality

PWQ provides matching training grants and support services targeted to improve the competitive position of small and mid-sized manufacturing and technology companies. Grants are used to increase the skills of existing workers for new technologies and production processes, improve employee productivity and increase employment stability.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://commerce.maryland.gov/grow/partnership-for-workforce-quality-pwq

Massachusetts 

Workforce Training Fund 

The Workforce Training Fund Express program competitively awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 to Massachusetts to train their current and newly hired full-time and part-time employees. 

The program accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Employees must match grant awards dollar-for-dollar. Typically, grant funds pay for training provider(s) fees and employers’ coverage the cost of wages and fringe of employees during training hours is sufficient to meet matching requirements.

For more information, visit: https://www.goengineer.com/blog/massachusetts-express-solidworks-training-grant

Michigan 

Workforce Training Fund 

The Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees up to $2,000 per employee. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Workforce Development (LEO-WD) provides funding and Michigan Works! Agencies (MWA) provide grant administration and support. 

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/programs-services/going-pro-talent-fund  

Minnesota 

Automation Training Incentive Program 

The Automation Training Incentive Program awards grants of up to $35,000 to Minnesota-based small businesses in the manufacturing or skilled production industry for the express purpose of training incumbent workers as quickly and effectively as possible on new automation technology. The program covers 100% of training costs, up to $5,000 per employee.   

For more information, visit: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/training-grant/atipp/  

Missouri

Missouri One Start

The Credential Training Program is a competitive grant that helps employers offset the cost of industry-related employee credentialing. It is administered by Missouri One Start, the workforce Division within the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://missourionestart.com/credential-training-program/

Montana

Montana Incumbent Worker Training

The Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program is a grant funding resource, helping to off-set a portion of skills-based training costs for incumbent (existing) workers employed by Montana's private sector. Businesses must demonstrate that training will increase the worker's skill-level, result in a promotion or wage gain, or expand their business market/increase business revenue with the intent of preserving existing jobs for Montana residents.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://wsd.dli.mt.gov/employers/incumbent-worker-training-program/

New Hampshire

WorkInvestNH

Available to businesses or co-applicants physically located in NH and businesses intending to physically locate in New Hampshire.  Available for existing workers who are either residents of New Hampshire or who work at a business or co-applicant that is located or intends to locate within the state

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://www.nhes.nh.gov/services/employers/work-invest-nh.htm

New Jersey 

UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant 

New Jersey employers (labor unions, businesses, and community organizations) may receive training grants of up to $2,000 per worker and up to $100,000 per fiscal year to improve existing employees’ skills. The maximum reimbursement rate for Third-Party Training is $20 per trainee, per clock hour. Eligible expenses include tuition fees, textbooks, software, and examination/credentialing fees. 

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/assets/PDFs/Grants/FY23/11-10-2022UpdatedFY23UPSKILLNGO.pdf  

New Mexico

Step Up Program

The Step Up Program is an aspect of JTIP that serves incumbent employees and their employers through training and reimbursements. Training and development results in new knowledge and skills in the workforce that increases employee engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty. A well trained and developed workforce reduces costly turnover and delivers higher performance for the business.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://edd.newmexico.gov/business-development/edd-programs-for-business/job-training-incentive-program/step-up-program/

Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP)

New Mexico has one of the most generous training incentive programs in the country. The Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) funds classroom and on-the-job training for newly created jobs in expanding or relocating businesses for up to 6 months. The program reimburses 50-90% of employee wages. Custom training at a New Mexico public educational institution may also be reimbursed.

Eligibility for JTIP funds depends on the company’s business, the role of the newly-created jobs in that business, and the trainees themselves. Please read through the eligibility guidelines (see Policy and Procedures below) and then fill out the Eligibility Questionnaire to begin the JTIP application process. A member of JTIP staff will contact you to determine your company’s eligibility and discuss the program in detail.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://edd.newmexico.gov/business-development/edd-programs-for-business/job-training-incentive-program/

New York

Employee Training Incentive Program

The Employee Training Incentive Program provides refundable tax credits to New York State employers for skills training that upgrades or improves the productivity of their employees. Businesses can also receive tax credits for approved internship programs that provide training in advanced technology, life sciences, software development or clean energy.  

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://esd.ny.gov/employee-training-incentive-program

North Carolina 

Incumbent Worker Training 

Incumbent Worker Training helps offset the cost of training employees who have worked for a business consistently for six months or more. The business must participate in the cost of the training, through cash payments or in-kind contributions, based on the size of the company. 

Funding is administered through your local Workforce Development Board, which is part of the NCWorks system. For more information, visit: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/workforce-grants/incumbent-worker-training  

Ohio 

OH TechCred 

In Ohio, many customers have demonstrated success leveraging the OH TechCred Program to upskill their workforce with a variety of GoEngineer’s SOLIDWORKS training courses at zero cost. Businesses of all sizes from any industry are eligible for up to $30,000 per application round and up to $180,000 per year. Once approved, the State of Ohio will reimburse 100% of training costs – up to $2,000 per credential – for completed training. Funding is provided by and awarded through the Ohio Department of Development. 

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://www.goengineer.com/blog/ohio-techcred-solidworks-training-grant

Pennsylvania

WEDnetPA 

Incumbent Worker Training helps offset the cost of training employees who have worked for a business consistently for six months or more. The business must participate in the cost of the training, through cash payments or in-kind contributions, based upon the size of the company. 

Funding is administeredadministered by WEDnetPA partners, which are higher education institutions across Pennsylvania.  For more information, visit: https://www.goengineer.com/blog/pennsylvania-wednetpa-solidworks-training-grant

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Incumbent Worker Training Grants

The Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program is designed to help employers remain competitive and help workers maintain and advance in their careers. It provides a 50% or 75% reimbursement for eligible costs on eligible training activities. All Rhode Island employers who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the program guide may apply.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://gwb.ri.gov/programs-services/incumbent-worker-training-grants

Tennessee 

Incumbent Worker Training 

The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides grant funding of up to $25,000 for customized training for existing businesses that result in layoff aversion. Through this customer-driven program, Tennessee is able to effectively retain and keep businesses competitive through skills upgrades and process improvement training for existing full-time employees. 

Funding is provided by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the program is administered by Local Workforce Development Agencies. 

For more information, visit: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/employers/training-redirect/grants-for-training/incumbent-worker-training.html  

Vermont 

Vermont Training Program (VTP) 

The Vermont Training Program (VTP) has offered performance-based workforce training grants for over 30 years. The VTP provides up to 50% of the training cost for: pre-employment, new hire, and/or incumbent employee training. The application process is easy with a general turn-around time of 18 business days. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Grants are paid out on a reimbursement basis upon completion of employee training. 

For more information, visit: https://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/vtp  

Virginia

Virginia Career Works

The workforce system provides an array of financial incentive and tax credits to support worker training, retraining, and upskilling. Additional resources may be available in your local area; contact your local Business Service Team to learn more.

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://virginiacareerworks.com/grant-programs-and-tax-credits-for-hiring-and-training/

Wisconsin 

Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) Industry Sector Training Grant 

The Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) standard grant program awards funds to reimburse the costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers in Wisconsin. Businesses of all sizes, from any industry, are eligible to receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 per fiscal year to cover 50% of eligible training costs. 

For more information and application deadlines, visit: https://wisconsinfastforward.com/wff_standard.htm  

Wyoming 

Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund 

The Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is a unique Wyoming-based program that awards funds to employers to provide their employees with professional development opportunities to increase employee skill attainment. Business Training Grants and Pre-Hire Training Grants can provide Wyoming businesses with up to $4,000 per trainee and $200,000 per state fiscal year. 

Funding is provided by and administered through Wyoming’s Department of Workforce Services. 

For more information, visit: https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/business-training-support-unit/workforce-development-training-fund/ 

Ready to Get Started? 

Hundreds of GoEngineer customers are already utilizing these government grant programs to offset the cost of training employees in SOLIDWORKS. If you’re not yet leveraging these available funds, reach out to your Account Manager for more information, to request a quote, or get help creating a training plan. 

GoEngineer offers Professional SOLIDWORKS online courses or in-person courses for every schedule and experience level. Whether you’re just getting started with SOLIDWORKS or need specific training on simulation, data management, electrical design, or anything in between, GoEngineer has a SOLIDWORKS training course that fits your needs. It’s time to take your skills to the next level!   

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2023 and has been edited to reflect updated sources and the inclusion of new states offering SOLIDWORKS funding.   

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