The Workforce Training Fund is opening their next grant application period.

The Workforce Training Fund's three grant programs are operational.  

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdtopic&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Businesses&L2=
Workforce+Training+Fund+Programs+(WTFP)&sid=Elwd 

1.   General Program Training Grants: Training grants are direct grants awarded competitively to employers, employer organizations, labor organizations, training providers, or a consortium of such entities, to train current and newly hired workers.  The maximum amount of a training grant is $250,000. Applications for amounts greater than $250,000 will not be accepted. Grant applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011.

2.     General Program Technical Assistance Grants: Technical assistance grants are grants to help an employer, or a group of employers or employees, determine a set of training needs. Eligible applicants for technical assistance grants include industry associations, labor organizations, community colleges, administrative entities for local workforce investment areas, and other entities with expertise in providing technical assistance for training.  The maximum amount of a technical assistance grant is $25,000. Grant applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011.

3.       Express Program: For small companies (50 or fewer employees) training employees using off-the-shelf training. An applicant can receive up to $30,000 within a 24-month period. Grant recipients are responsible for paying for the total cost of the training and are eligible to receive 50% reimbursement upon completion of the training and the submission of required documents with a maximum of $3,000 per employee per course. Grant applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Recession-Proof Jobs Not So Certain

Forbes, CareerBuilder, HR World, Time, the CAM Report, and other publications occasionally publish lists of recession-proof jobs and industries. These industries are cited as offering critical

services or goods that the public or businesses need to function.

Rick Newman, a writer for US News & World Report, believes that "recession-proof jobs are a myth" given the current financial situation in the United States. Here are Newman's thoughts on

some industries that are typically considered recession-proof.

Education

Conventional Thinking: Education is one of the most important sectors, and state and local governments are less susceptible to budget cuts than private industry.

Reality: Local and state governments are facing major budget cuts, and the number of available teaching jobs is decreasing.

Military

Conventional Thinking: Two wars + threats of terrorism + strong

Congressional backing = strong job prospects.

Reality: The massive federal debt is forcing Congress to rethink

funding for military positions. Troop withdrawals in Iraq continue,

and the drawdown in Afghanistan is expected to begin this summer.

Public Safety

Conventional Thinking: Firefighters, police officers, and federal

law enforcement officers will always be in demand-and are the last to be cut in budgets.

Reality: Budgets have been so reduced that state and local governments cut 260,000 positions in 2010.

Utilities

Conventional Thinking: Everyone needs heating, cooling, and

electric power.

Reality: Approximately 4,000 jobs have been cut in the utility

industry since 2008. Employment has declined the most in traditional power plants. Nuclear power facilities have experienced a small amount of growth.

Computers

Conventional Thinking: Computer technology is ubiquitous in

our work and play culture, creating many job opportunities.

Reality: Low-level information technology jobs are being outsourced to foreign companies, where workers are paid lower

salaries.  

Newman says that "safer jobs involve systems engineering and proprietary software work."Newman says that although these trends are distressing, workers who are adaptable, creative, committed to lifelong learning, and who have multidisciplinary experience will still be in strong demand-regardless of the health of their industry.

(US News & World Report) 

Upcoming Meetings

• WIB Planning Evaluation Committee Meeting: Wednesday April 13th 1:30pm WIB Office  
     
• WIB Executive Committee Meeting: Thursday April 14th 8:00am WIB Office
   
• WIB Leadership Committee Meeting: Monday April 18th 12:30pm Career Opportunities