COLUMBIA, S.C. — Employers in South Carolina wanting to expand their businesses, upgrade technology or offer new services while maintaining their current workforce now have an opportunity to fund employee training for worker retention. The Incumbent Worker Training program (IWT), offered through SC Works, aids eligible employers by providing employees with needed training in order for business to stay open and remain competitive.
The State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) awarded more than $1 million to South Carolina's twelve Local Workforce Development Areas (LSDA) for IWT.
Employers are eligible for the IWT program if
- they are a South Carolina for-profit or non-profit business
- they have at least one (non-owner) full-time employee
- are current on all state tax obligations
- are registered in the SC Works Online Services system with an active employer account
Limited training services covered in the funding include
- training/course registration
- textbooks and manuals
- training materials and supplies
Priority consideration for funding will be given to certain types of technical skills training or training that leads to certification/credential, pay increases or promotion. Minimum and maximum funding amounts for employers will be determined by each local area.
Employers should contact the SC Works center closest to them and ask to speak to a Business Consultant in order to apply for funding. In the Midlands, the contacts are:
- Midlands: 700 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29201; Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Phone: (803) 737-5627
- Lexington: 671 Main Street, West Columbia, SC 29170; Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Phone: (803) 359-6131
- Winnsboro: 96 Highway 321 Bypass South, Winnsboro, SC 29180; Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Phone: (803) 635-2812
IWT is made possible through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
