Defense & Manufacturing Training Fund

Defense & Manufacturing Training Fund is sponsored by Maine State Workforce Development Board (SWDB). This fund reimburses employers for training new and existing employees in high-demand manufacturing and defense shipbuilding jobs.

Defense & Manufacturing Training Fund | Work Source Maine Invest in your workforce — with support to reduce your training costs . The State Workforce Development Board’s (SWDB) Defense & Manufacturing Training Fund, or "Training Fund," reimburses employers up to $8,000 per worker for training new and existing employees in high-demand manufacturing and defense shipbuilding jobs.

Use the Submit Training Request button to begin your application. Employers are also encouraged to explore the program manual to prepare them to complete the application and learn more about program requirements. Which companies are eligible?

Operate in Maine in defense shipbuilding (including companies in the defense shipbuilding supply chain) or advanced manufacturing sectors Be in good standing with state and federal labor laws Follow the program participation guidelines outlined in the program manual What trainings are eligible?

Align with priority in-demand manufacturing occupations and digital skills (listed in Program Manual) Result in an industry-recognized credential Be completed in two years or fewer Support new hires or current employees Be approved for reimbursement before it starts Employers may request reimbursement for the training that best meets their needs.

See the pre-approved trainings button on the right to search for Maine-based options that qualify for reimbursement. How much funding is available? A total of $7.

2M will be reimbursed to eligible employers Employers can receive up to $8,000 per employee, with a maximum of $250,000 per employer, per year How are the reimbursements structured?

Employers may receive up to 80% reimbursement for eligible training costs, with a baseline rate of 40% + bonuses for small employers, apprenticeship programs, and worker wage gains Reimbursements will be issued in equal parts for eligible requests, with half of the reimbursable amount provided if the training is completed and the other half provided if the employee is retained six months after training completion Who should employers contact for additional questions?

Employers are highly encouraged to read the program manual linked below, which provides additional detail and will be updated as additional questions arise. For additional questions, employer may contact program staff at trainingfund. dol@maine.

gov or 207-530-1959. The program follows a four-step process: Submit Training Request – Before training begins, employer submits a training request describing the company, employees, and proposed training. Program staff can help identify training if needed.

Sign Training Agreement – If approved, the employer signs a training agreement (contract with the State) outlining program requirements and reimbursement terms. Initiate First Reimbursement Request – The employer identifies whether the employee’s training was completed to prompt their first reimbursement payment.

Initiate Second Reimbursement Request – Six months after training completion, the employer identifies whether the employee was retained to prompt their second and final reimbursement payment. Access the Full Program Manual For comprehensive details on the application process, priority occupations and skills, and other guidelines, download the Program Manual.

The Training Fund can be stacked with other training incentives from the Maine Community College System , Department of Economic and Community Development , and U.S. Department of Labor to provide up to $14,700+ per employee . Frequently Asked Questions Do workers need to live in Maine? Workers do not need to live in Maine, but they must be employed by an eligible participating Maine employer.

However, this program is intended to serve Maine businesses and workers, so a vast majority of an employer’s request must be for workers residing in the state. What happens if an employee does not complete training? If an employee does not complete the training, the costs associated with that employee’s training will not be eligible for reimbursement.

What happens if the employee departs from the company within six months of completing the training? The second reimbursement payment will not be issued if the employee is not retained. Can employees participate in multiple trainings?

Yes. Employees may complete multiple trainings, up to $8,000 per employee over the life of the grant (or until grant funds are expended). Trainings may not overlap—each must be completed before the next begins.

How does the Training Fund define staff size? Staff size is defined by the total number of FTEs across the company, including Maine and non-Maine based facilities. What if the company needs to train an employee for an occupation or digital skill not on the priority list?

Employers are encouraged to submit that associated training for consideration using the “Other” options in the form for consideration and review by the Training Fund team. The priority occupations and digital skills list will continue to be refined based on employers’ requests. Are federal workers eligible for training reimbursement?

No, funds may not be used to reimburse employers for training federal workers in any occupations or at any worksites. However, reimbursing employers for training federal contractors is allowable. Will the cost of training be paid upfront, or will employers be reimbursed?

Employers will pay training costs upfront and then be reimbursed after the training is completed, if all eligibility, contractual obligations, and documentation requirements are met per the training agreement. Will eligible employers receive the training payment, or will it go to the training provider? Training costs will be paid directly to the employer.

How soon will employers receive reimbursement once their first and second reimbursements requests are approved? Once employers provide all necessary information and their requests are approved, payments should be processed within 30 days. What's included in the training agreement that employers sign to participate?

Employers can explore a training agreement template , which mirrors the program manual's requirements, to learn more. As a contract with the state, the training agreement includes standardized language that must be included in all contracts, and approved employers will be sent a completed version for signature using the information provided in their training request.

Stevens Amendment: The Defense and Manufacturing Training Fund (“Training Fund”) is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor. A total of $7. 9M, 100 percent of the Training Fund, is financed with federal funds.