Wisconsin Incumbent Worker Training: How to Get Reimbursed for Upskilling

Federal funds for part of the training cost for current employees who need new skills to keep or advance in their jobs or to avoid layoff.

The employer pays the non-federal share: at least 10% (50 or fewer employees), 25% (51 to 100), 50% (over 100). Wages paid during training can count toward your share. Boards may use up to 20% of Adult and Dislocated Worker funds.

The employer, by reimbursement, after training and outcomes are met (board practice varies).

• Workers must be employed, with an employment history of 6 months (3 months for advancement or layoff aversion under the waiver)
• Training must raise competitiveness of the worker or employer and the employer commits to retain or avert layoffs
• New hires needing job skills belong in OJT or customized training, not IWT
• Each board writes its own policy, so rules and funding vary

Reimbursement of customized occupational training costs such as instructor pay, curriculum work, contracted trainers and materials, for unemployed, underemployed and current workers.

Awards range from $5,000 to $400,000 per grantee; a consortium lead may ask for more. You match 50% of the award in cash or in-kind. In June 2026 DWD awarded $2,412,209 to 17 employers.

The grantee, by reimbursement. An employer can be the applicant and use an in-house or outside trainer. Trainee wages cannot be charged to the grant.

• Open to all industry sectors and companies of any size
• The application must include at least one Wisconsin employer with an unmet skilled-worker need
• Unemployed trainees: hired and kept at least 14 days after training. Underemployed: more hours or duties. Current workers: a wage increase
• Grantees must reach 85% training completion, 65% placement, 75% raises for current workers and 75% certification where offered

Up to 80% of eligible training costs for new hires or current workers in advanced manufacturing, AI and related fields. You pay up front.

Up to 80% of eligible costs: 70% after the trainee completes training, 10% after six months of retained employment. Cap of $6,600 per trainee and $330,000 per employer or consortium. $6.6 million in total.

The employer (or the lead employer of a consortium), by reimbursement. DWD does not pay training providers directly.

• Wisconsin employer of any size, registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
• Training must relate to advanced manufacturing, AI or related emerging fields
• No WARN or Wisconsin mass layoff notice in the past six months
• Schools and training firms cannot be the lead applicant

Customized instruction for current employees at lower cost, delivered by a Wisconsin technical college, for one business or a consortium of businesses.

State pool of $5,000,000 for 2025-26, with up to $4,500,000 for general business and up to $600,000 for small business. Each college application is $2,500 to $200,000. No per-employer rate is published.

The technical college district, not the employer. The employer receives discounted or funded customized training from the college and still pays costs the grant does not cover.

• Established Wisconsin business with current employees to upskill
• Training focuses on occupational skills
• Only technical college districts and consortia can apply to WTCS
• Employer funds indirect and other non-allowable training costs