MA · Customized

Massachusetts Customized Training Grants: A Practical Employer Guide

Massachusetts has no separate state program called customized training. The closest fit is the Workforce Training Fund General Program, where you design a training plan with a provider you choose and receive $10,000 to $200,000 with a dollar-for-dollar match. Federal WIOA also allows customized training through local MassHire boards, where the employer commits to hire and pays a significant share, but no Massachusetts page describing that offer was found. Call your MassHire board to ask.

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State pre-filled: MA
Program type pre-filled: customized_training

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HOW IT WORKS

Four steps, in this order.

1
Define the skills your business needs and pick a training vendor
2
Price the plan under $300 per instructional hour
3
Apply to the General Program with your DOR and DUA certificates
4
Sign the contract, train, and report for reimbursement

1 VERIFIED PROGRAM

Where the Massachusetts money comes from.

Run by Commonwealth Corporation, Workforce Training Fund Program. Every figure is from an official page, linked on each card.

Workforce Training Fund General Program (custom training plans)

$10,000 to $200,000 with a $1-to-$1 match

OPEN, ROLLING

WHAT YOU GET

A competitive grant for larger, customized training plans with a provider of your choice. Cash advances of 25% steps are common after contracting, per the program FAQ.

HOW MUCH

$10,000 to $200,000 per grant (the cap rose from $125,000 for applications received April 1, 2026 or later). $1-to-$1 match. Maximum $300 per instructional hour and an average of $3,000 per participant. Consortium grants add up to 10% for administration (up to $20,000).

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

The employer (or the lead of a consortium). Funds pay the training provider's fee; the employer's match is mostly the trainees' paid wages.

WHO QUALIFIES

Any Massachusetts employer size that pays into the fund; for-profit employers and non-profits on the contributory method
No government entities; non-profits on the reimbursable method are not eligible
Two full years of financial statements and financial viability
In full compliance with DUA, the Department of Industrial Accidents and other Commonwealth obligations
One year must pass after closing a prior General Program grant

Before you start: Yes. Training may only begin after the grant is awarded and the contract is signed. Costs before the contract period are not paid.

LOCAL BOARDS

Same program, different rules by board.

Federal WIOA rule (applies through MassHire boards)

Customized training under WIOA needs a hiring commitment and an employer share of cost set by the local board. No MassHire page with rates was found.

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

AVOID THESE

What gets Massachusetts Customized claims denied.

Starting General Program training before the contract is signed.
SOURCE: COMMCORP.ORG
Repeating a topic funded by an earlier grant within five years.
SOURCE: COMMCORP.ORG
Using grant money for wages, consulting, coaching, exam fees or tuition reimbursement.
SOURCE: COMMCORP.ORG
Not showing a $1-to-$1 match.
SOURCE: COMMCORP.ORG
Applying for a new General grant within a year of closing the last one.
SOURCE: COMMCORP.ORG

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

Massachusetts Customized questions.

Is there a Massachusetts customized training program for new hires?

Not under that name. The General Program funds training for current and newly hired workers, and WIOA customized training exists federally. Ask your MassHire board about the local offer.

SOURCE: COMMCORP.ORG

What does federal customized training require?

The training meets your special requirements, you commit to employ the person on success, and you pay a significant cost of the training as the local board decides.

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

Can the grant pay for consultants or coaching?

No. It pays instruction fees only.

SOURCE: COMMCORP.ORG

Can several employers apply together?

Yes. A consortium of two or more employers can apply, and the grant adds up to 10% (up to $20,000) for administration.

SOURCE: COMMCORP.ORG

How we checked. Every fact on this page comes from a state agency, a local workforce board or federal regulation, read on September 30, 2026. Where a board publishes nothing, we say so instead of guessing. Programs and funding change often; confirm with the program before you commit. Written by Jason Meehl, founder of Reimbursa. Found an error? Email hello@reimbursa.com.

OTHER PROGRAMS IN MASSACHUSETTS

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