Purpose
North Carolina's Incumbent Workforce Development Program serves the interests of both the State's workers and the State's employers by supporting access to high-quality, market-driven education and skills training. The program provides assistance to employers confronted with the need for new and upgraded worker skills that are necessary to maintain or increase their competitiveness in the global economy. Incumbent Workers develop portable skills that benefit their employers, facilitate transition between jobs, and enhance their potential for increased earnings.

Overview
North Carolina's Incumbent Workforce Development Program under the Federal Workforce Investment Act broadens the scope of the state’s existing Incumbent Worker initiative. The program provides funding to established North Carolina businesses to provide educational and occupational skills training for current workers. It is designed to benefit businesses by enhancing the skills of employees, thereby increasing employee productivity and the potential for company growth. Training in portable skills results in a more highly skilled and versatile workforce that contributes to North Carolina's ability to attract new business and creates an environment conducive to expansion.

The North Carolina Division of Workforce Development, and the state's 24 Local Areas, established under the Workforce Investment Act, cooperatively administer the Incumbent Workforce Development Program. Approximately $3,000,000 was designated for the program year ending June 30, 2010.

Maximum funding for any project is $25,000 with a lifetime maximum of $40,000. Funds for each approved project will be made available to the business entity through a contract between that business and the administrative/fiscal agent of the Local Area.

For more information, guidelines and an application:
http://www.nccommerce.com/en/WorkforceServices/FindInformationForEmployers/IncumbentWorkerProgram/
Please Note:  Application updated February 2010.

The Commission on Workforce Development will accept applications from the Local Workforce Development Boards in the timeframes below: 

Dates for PY 2010 have not been released.  Please check back with us in late July or early August.

Congratulations to the following Incumbent Workforce Development Program Grant recipient announced June 2010:

FineLine Prototyping, Inc.