Staff Writer

Employers and employees alike will benefit from a program that provides companies with grants to pay for additional training for their workers.

The Upstate Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is accepting applications for Incumbent Worker Training Grants. These provide opportunities for training in programs for computer skills; manufacturing skills specific to industries; and soft skills such as leadership and management training.

Beth Fowler, a member of the WIB's Business Services Team, said the grants reduce a company's training costs, allowing them to train their employees in a wide array of programs, specific to the company's needs. She said the program enables employees to gain improved job skills that help them perform their tasks more efficiently and effectively, which increases a company's productivity.

Companies in Cherokee, Spartanburg and Union counties are eligible to apply for the grants through the WIB. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. May 23. Applications received after the deadline will be kept on file and considered for approval when additional funding is available.

Applications and guidelines can be picked up at Union CareerSource on 103 West Main St. Completed applications can mailed to or dropped off at the WIB office at 102 Commerce St. or P.O. Box 5666, Spartanburg, S.C. 29304.

Seven companies in Union County were among the firms in the three-county region awarded the grants in 2007 - Disney Direct Marketing, Wallace Thomson Hospital, Timken, Carlisle Finishing, Versa-Tech, Hart Insurance Agency and Sight & Sound Photography.

Nearly $500,000 in grants were awarded in the three-county region with each company receiving an average of $13,000.

For more information about Incumbent Worker Training Grants contact Beth Fowler at (864) 427-4119 (TTY:711) or bfowler@upstatewib.org.