RETAINING services

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) for

FALL 2026 and Spring 2027

Funding Year: 26-27

 

Forward Careers is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) funding for both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 training periods. Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply for funding to support employee training that enhances skills, improves productivity, and strengthens Wisconsin's workforce.

 

Funding is limited and will be awarded based on program eligibility and the availability of funds.

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How it Works!

• Participating businesses must be in Wisconsin.

• Employers select the training to be provided to their employees.

• Trainings may range from 1 day to 16 weeks.

• Employers complete and submit an application, a detailed training description, training invoice, trainee form(s) and job description(s) for each employee going to the training. Please note that the training program cannot have started and must be a new training program that will start between the time periods listed below.

• After the employees successfully complete the training, the employer may be reimbursed between 25% and 75% of costs of training their workers dependent upon training outcomes. Training costs cannot include travel, equipment, training supplies or materials such as books, manuals, etc. 

 

Businesses interested in this grant opportunity may apply for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 funding cycle to offer training programs that will be delivered to their workforce between the following periods:

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• Fall 2026

  • Training programs may range from 1 day to 16 weeks and be held between August 31,2026, and December 31, 2026.

  • Applications Due by 12:00 p.m. CST on Friday, August 21, 2026.

  • Outcomes for Fall 2026 must be obtained by December 31, 2026.

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• Spring 2027

  • Training programs may range from 1 day to 16 weeks and be held between January 1, 2027, and June 11, 2027.

  • Applications Due by 12:00 p.m. CST on Friday, December 4, 2026.

  • Outcomes for Spring 2027 must be obtained by June 11, 2027.

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Review the full GPA below and submit all required forms below. Incomplete or application missing supporting documents will not be accepted. 

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• Grant Program Announcement (GPA)

• Application Form (REQUIRED)

• Appendices​

  • Trainee(s) Form (REQUIRED)

    • Also required: Invoice, Training Description, and Job Description(s) - 

  • In-House Training Template (Required only if training is conducted in-house)

    • In-House Training Sample

  • Union Form (Required only if employee(s) are in union)

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• Questions and Responses (Posted 08.17.2026)