ESU nets job-training grant

EAST STROUDSBURG — East Stroudsburg University’s Office of Career and Workforce Development was awarded an initial $298,424 for fiscal year 2017-18 to support workforce training though the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA).
Funding for WEDnetPA is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED
In FY 2016-17, ESU managed and allocated more than $369,000 to qualified Pennsylvania-based businesses.).
The WEDnetPA Program provides qualified companies with funds to train their employees in essential skills up to $450 per eligible employee, and in advanced technology skills up to $850 per eligible employee. Companies may qualify for up to $75,000 for essential skills training and $50,000 for advanced technology training. Industries that use WEDnetPA funding include advanced manufacturing, information technology, life sciences, healthcare and environmental companies.
To be eligible for funds, employers must be located in Pennsylvania or have a significant presence in the state; employees must earn at least 150 percent of the current federal minimum wage, excluding benefits; and trainees must be permanent full-time employees and eligible for full-time benefits. Participation is limited to two consecutive years and three of the past five years.
Point-of-sale retail businesses, gaming establishments, training vendors, employment agencies, government agencies, government-owned facilities, and education and nonprofit entities are ineligible.
To find out if your company is eligible, visit www.wednetpa.com.
For additional information and to apply, contact Sharone Jones at 570-422-7952 or sjones@esu.edu.