FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PPWFC offers Employee Development Funding

to businesses in El Paso & Teller counties

With recruitment and retention an ongoing challenge, the Workforce Center brings good news:

They’re offering $160,000 in funding for companies to train/upskill their current staff

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 11, 2023 – The Pikes Peak Workforce Center has $160,000 in Employee Development Funds to award to companies who want to train or upskill their current employees.

Made possible by the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, the funds must be used to provide training to employees to retain a skilled workforce or avert the need for layoffs.

Preference will be given to in-demand industries, such as information technology and cyber security, manufacturing, health care, hospitality and tourism – and to companies whose training leads to expansion of duties for employees.

Options for training include work-based, virtual or classroom training for current employees that will increase the competitiveness of both employees and the business. Employers choose the training that will best meet the needs of their company and their employees.

Past examples of training include:

• Advanced programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Value stream mapping
• Customized ISO
• Rapid cycle product innovation
• AC/DC electricity
• Electrical schematics
• Motors and controls
• Advanced hydraulic
• Multi-industry systems technician (MIST) programming
• Lean manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• Total productive maintenance (TPM)
• Business soft skills training, including focus on conflict resolution, strategic planning, resiliency training, critical thinking and problem solving

“This is a wonderful opportunity for companies in El Paso and Teller counties,” said Pikes Peak Workforce Center Communications Manager Becca Tonn. “We hope a variety of businesses and nonprofits will apply to receive this special funding and improve their economic viability by upskilling or training their employees.”

Employers must attend one of these virtual information sessions about how to apply. Register at:

formsite.com/ppwfc/EDF/index.html

10-11 a.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2023

10-11 a.m., Wednesday, January 18, 2023

2-3 p.m., Thursday, January 19, 2023

The deadline for employers to apply is Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.

Applications will be reviewed, and awardees chosen by Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2023.

All training for employees must be completed by Thursday, June 15, 2023.

For more information or to view the application, visit ppwfc.org/funds-for-worker-training.

ABOUT PIKES PEAK WORKFORCE CENTER

The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is an American Job Center serving El Paso and Teller counties that connects vital businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services. We provide no-cost job seeker services from résumé assistance and mock interview training to career coaching and more.

Clients range from entry-level to professional, including youth, adults, people returning to the workforce, and those with barriers to employment. Veterans always receive priority service. In support of regional businesses, we host tailored, no-cost recruitment and hiring events including candidate sourcing, group and individual pre-employment assessments, as well as providing a job database of searchable candidate profiles. Learn more at ppwfc.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Becca Tonn

Communications Manager

Pikes Peak Workforce Center

719-499-0642

beccatonn@elpasoco.com

Regards,

Darlene Wolford, CWDP

Business Relations Specialist

Pikes Peak Workforce Center

Citizens Service Center

1675 Garden of the Gods Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80907

719.667.3829

719-499-3639

Darlenewolford@elpasoco.com

www.ppwfc.org