RALEIGH -- North Carolina has awarded $205,000 to 26 employers across the state to help them invest in building the skills of their workers. 

The NCWorks Incumbent Worker Training Grant program assists businesses with reimbursements for the cost of training programs, provided such services meet state requirements. Each business applies for a grant through its local workforce development board, which reviews the application and submits its recommendations for evaluation to the N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions. 

After the latest round of applications, the state awarded $205,000 in grant money to 26 businesses, benefitting more than 475 workers.  The employers are also contributing more than $238,000 for worker training.  

“These grants can cover the costs of instructional courses, training for certification exams, or skills assessments directly related to training,” said Commerce Assistant Secretary of Workforce Solutions Will Collins.  “Manufacturing, administrative, health care and logistic industries, as well as others, benefit from these grants.  For example, a recent grant recipient—a wholesale distributor of truck parts—trained its sales people, thus increasing sales. We’re excited to see how this solution strengthens our workforce and improves the competitiveness of our businesses.” 

In July, the state announced more than $717,000 in grant funding to 69 businesses, helping 1,655 workers.  The money for the program is made available to the states through the federal Workforce Investment Act.