Upskilling your Current Workforce
About the Program
- Increase the competitiveness of your business by training current workers for new skills and certifications.
- The NWC Incumbent Worker Training pays for a portion of the training cost.
- Training can be accomplished by outside trainers or by the employer’s own qualified staff.
- Training is short term, usually 3-6 months.
- This program is open to companies in NWC’s region doing business in one of the three key industry sectors in our region: construction, health care or manufacturing.
- Funding currently available in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties.
Steps to Train and Upskill your Current Employees
- Fill out the Incumbent Worker Training Proposal.
- Provide NWC a copy of guidance your organization provides employees and trainees for COVID-19 Worksite Safety (must comply with general requirements defined by the Department of Labor and Industries).
Meet with NWC to Create a Contract
- Once your proposal is tentatively approved, an NWC staff member will work with you to create a contract, a budget, and a training plan. Once these elements are mutually agreed upon, a contract will be presented to you for your signature.
- An NWC Coordinator will be assigned to your Incumbent Worker project. The coordinator will work together with you and the workers you have identified to take part in the program to complete a simple Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) application. See the Incumbent Worker Participant Checklist for guidance. Your coordinator can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding an individual’s eligibility in the WIOA program.
- After training starts, complete and submit a mid-term training progress report and a final assessment of acquired or enhanced skills and certification.
Receive Payment
- Keep documentation of all eligible expenses for reimbursement or to document match. Submit these expenses and documentation to NWC periodically for timely payment, usually within 2 weeks.
- Once training is complete, send certificate of completion for each employee to your coordinator.
We look forward to working with you!
Application Documents
Incumbent Worker Training Proposal (fillable form)
Incumbent Worker Participant Checklist
Covid-19 Safety Reference