The Nebraska Department of Labor announced Friday a new grant program offering eligible employers up to $500,000 to train newly hired or current workers. The Good Life, Great Skills initiative is backed by $4.6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The program will reimburse up to 80% of actual training costs, capped at $10,000 per participant. Half of the funding will be disbursed upon completion of training and the remainder after worker retention is verified.
Employers operating in Nebraska in advanced manufacturing, industrial information technology, the bioeconomy or domestic mineral production are eligible to apply. Applicants must identify training needs, work with the department on training plans and commit to reporting outcomes.
“Nebraska’s employers are adapting quickly to new technologies and production demands, and this grant helps ensure workers can adapt right alongside them,” Gov. Jim Pillen said in a news release. “High-quality training is one of the tools that leads directly to good jobs and stable careers here in our state.”
The department said it will give additional priority to advanced manufacturing employers and businesses committed to ongoing training and curriculum review. The application process will use existing business records to reduce paperwork.
“With the Good Life, Great Skills initiative, employers have a real opportunity to shape high-quality training that supports today’s workforce needs and sets us up for future growth,” Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber said.
An application form will be posted on the Nebraska Department of Labor’s website. The release did not specify an opening date or application deadline. Interested employers can contact the department or their local American Job Center for details.