The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) is committed to making companies across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania more competitive - by updating and improving the skills of their employees to meet specific company needs. They are doing so through the Guaranteed Free Training (GFT) program. GFT is a user-friendly state grant program targeted at manufacturing and technology companies which provides funds to cover training costs for many of your employees. The grant was developed to strengthen Pennsylvania's business environment, and to access to funding for a wide range of Basic Skills and Advanced Technology Training.

Millersville University is a partner within WEDnetPA, an alliance of state universities, community colleges, and other organizations created to manage this unique grant, thereby making the application process much simpler to administer and the funding much easier to attain than for most other grants.

From training in manufacturing fundamentals, lean manufacturing, project management, Six Sigma, supervisory skills, business writing, and interpersonal skills at the Basic Skills level; to information technology and advanced manufacturing technology training at the Advanced Technology level, this program can benefit your organization and your employees. Are you eligible? Review our eligibility guidelines.

Millersville University has been working with companies in Central PA to access GFT grants for over eight years. Over the past five years we have worked with an average of over 40 companies per year to access more than $500,000 per year in training grant funds. Our exceptional client care and attention to detail is what sets us apart. Applications are accepted for each grant year (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010) beginning in May and we advise companies to start early because as this program gains popularity, the competition for funding also increases.

Q: Who is eligible to receive training?
A: Eligibility information can be found online at http://www.wednetpa.com/gft/qualify.asp. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Martin Elks at 717-871-2014 or Martin.Elks@millersville.edu.

Q: Can an exception be made for a company not in one of the industries listed on the website?
A: Exception companies can submit applications for review but are considered a lesser priority and are not guaranteed funding.

Q: What type of training is not eligible?
A: On-the-job, orientation or any type of sales training is not eligible.

Q: Where can I get more Information?
A: More Information can be found of the WEDnet PA site.  There is also an online tutorial hosted there that may also be useful for finding additional information.