By Mark Dolinski, Vice President of Training and Professional Development
WEDnetPA and the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) have played a significant role in supporting Berks County employers through providing high-quality training programs designed to upskill employees. WEDnetPA has helped more than 17,000 companies in Pennsylvania by supplementing their investment with improving the skills of their workers. While GRCA has been delivering essential training programs to help Berks County employers successfully compete within their respective industries.
For over 20 years WEDnetPA and GRCA have been helping employers improve the skill level and productivity of its region’s employees to strengthen the local business environment and continue building successful companies, which are key to sustaining a healthy and vibrant economy. WEDnetPA and GRCA accomplish this by helping companies acquire the training programs their employees need most. The training programs can be conducted offsite at the GRCA’s Center for Business Excellence, located at 49 Commerce Dr. in Wyomissing, or training can be delivered onsite whenever it is most convenient for your employees.
So, what is WEDnetPA?
WEDnetPA was created by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to provide qualified employers training for new and existing employees. The program is nimble and responsive to the needs of the business community. An essential element of this system is that businesses determine their own training. For example, to improve employee retention rates, supervisor training has become critical to the success of businesses. GRCA’s Supervisor Training Certificate Program is widely known for delivering impactful training to assist supervisors in creating a highly productive work environment that values the role of employees.
Who is Eligible to take advantage of WEDnetPA?
Eligible in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to Pennsylvania apply to WEDnetPA to access training funds. By visiting wednetpa.com/FundingEligibility/, you can quickly determine if your business qualifies for WEDnetPA funds. When your eligibility is confirmed, you will be contacted and asked to complete the online application and training plan to request grant funds. When your application is approved and you receive your award letter, your company may begin its training.
When do I need to apply for the funding?
Do not wait to apply, submissions should be sent in by the end of June and training needs to be start and be completed within the fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) for which the funds are awarded. Partial training cannot be reimbursed.
What other GRCA training programs are WEDnetPA eligible?
GRCA programs starting in September that may be eligible include the Lead Worker Certificate program, which starts on Monday, Sept. 9, Supervisor Module 1: Principles of Supervision, which starts on Tuesday, Sept.10 and Essentials of Effective Management that starts on Wednesday, Sept.11.
For those looking to improve their computer literacy skills, GRCA offers a broad array of Excel training programs starting in September including Intro to Excel, Intermediate Excel, Advanced Excel, and the new Ultimate Excel classes. To find out more information on WEDnetPA and the eligible training programs offered by GRCA, please contact me at mdolinski@greaterreading.org.