For those companies who are unfamiliar with the program, the Guaranteed Free Training Program (GFT), offered through WEDnetPA and funded by the Department of Community and Economic Development, provides qualified companies with money for training in a wide range of basic and high-tech topics. A simple set of qualifications determine whether your company and employees are eligible to receive this benefit. Whether you apply for the Basic Skills program or Information Technology program, instructor-led or on-line delivery, the process is the same. Go to the website at www.wednetpa.com to see if you qualify for the program.

The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) is committed to making companies across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania more competitive - by updating and improving the skills of their employees to meet specific company needs. You may apply for basic skills funding for your employees up to $450 per employee and $75,000 per fiscal year, and information technology funding for your employees up to $700 per employee and $50,000 per fiscal year. It's easy to apply and applications will be processed generally within five business days.

The 2004-2005 GFT program year was both successful and productive, with over $19 million awarded to almost 2,000 companies statewide, training over 115,000 Pennsylvania employees, with small companies receiving almost $6 million in training funds. Closer to home, Lehigh Valley companies benefited from over $1 million in funding for completed training, serving over 6,500 employees.

Of the top categories basic skills training delivered, almost 20% was in the area of health and safety, 16% in computers, 16% in business operations, 14% in communications and teamwork, 13% in manufacturing fundamentals and 6% in quality assurance. The breakout of the top categories of information technology training delivered, 20% was in the area of advanced applied manufacturing technology, 14% in network administration, 15% in computer programming and 11% in technology support.

Although the 2006-07 GFT program budget has not been announced, we anticipate similar funding for the Lehigh Valley area. The Business Training Resources Department specializes in helping employers access funding to support their training efforts. Contact us today to determine if your company is eligible.

For more information, contact:
Michele Pappalardo
610-861-4588
mpappalardo@northampton.edu

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