Training Dollars Available For Area Businesses

To remain competitive in today's business climate, employers must constantly build and enhance the skills of their employees.

Employers in Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties are invited to take advantage of the Employed Worker Training program provided by Heartland Workforce.

The flexible program is designed to provide financial assistance to employers in the targeted industries of aviation, biofuels and energy, commercial construction, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, high-end agriculture, logistics and distribution, manufacturing and technology and innovation.

The program will reimburse the employer a percentage of direct training costs, and employers have the flexibility to choose their own training facility and training course. Workforce research shows that employees value the opportunity to acquire new skills, which leads to increased productivity and impacts the bottom line.

In a two-year period Heartland Workforce has awarded more than $188,000 to employers using the employed worker training program, resulting in more than 450 employees trained.

Roger Hood, President and CEO of Heartland Workforce, encourages employers in the targeted industries to apply for these training dollars.

"A trained workforce positively impacts the economy in overall business and community development," Hood said.

Employed Worker Training grant funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, call Heartland Workforce 863-385-3672 or e-mail csharp@heartland-workforce.org.