Employer Workforce Training Funds
For Multnomah and Washington Counties
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the purpose of the Employer Workforce Training Fund?
A. Governor Kulongoski created this fund to achieve the following goals:

• Creating and retaining living wage jobs in Oregon
• Highly skilled workforce, especially for knowledge-based industries
• Globally competitive workforce for Oregon business
• Efficient and effective teams and projects

Q. What companies can apply for the Employer Workforce Training Funds?
A. For profit or not-for-profit businesses with employees in Washington or Multnomah or Counties are eligible to apply for these funds. Other counties have similar funds, and you can find them at http://egov.oregon.gov/WORKSOURCE/WRT/offices.shtml

Q. Are there other eligibility considerations?
A. Companies that have relocated in the last 120 days, if the relocation resulted in a layoff, should call Heather Hafner at 503.478.7359 for technical assistance. Companies that have not had Oregon employees for 120 days should also call for technical assistance.

Q. What commitment does my company make if we receive Employer Workforce Training Funds?
A. Companies that receive grants from the Employer Workforce Training Fund must provide non-governmental matching funds or in-kind contributions to the project that equal or exceed the amount of the grant. Companies are also required to report outcomes as described in the application.

Q. How can my company use the funds?
A. These funds can be used to plan training, develop curriculum, deliver training to employees, certify employees and assess outcomes.

Q. What can’t we do with the funds?
A. These funds cannot be used to pay wages or stipends, or to purchase equipment.

Q. Is there someone who can guide me through the application process?
A. Heather Ficht will provide technical assistance during the application process. You can reach her at 503.478.7359 or hficht@worksystems.org.

Q. When can my company apply?
A. Funds are expected to be available again in July 2007. We’d be happy to add your email address to a distribution list so you can receive notification of future procurements. If you’d like to have your name added to the distribution list, please call or email Heather Ficht at 503.478.7359.