Valued Voice

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is now accepting applications for Wisconsin Fast Forward grants to help workers grow their skills and employers in all industries, including health care, to grow their workforce. Programs like Fast Forward can fund employer efforts such as upskilling, apprenticeship, new team or education models.

The Wisconsin Fast Forward program supports innovative local and regional solutions to help employers meet workforce needs in their areas. The Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants reimburse the costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed and existing workers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000—and higher for consortium applicants—can cover training that qualifies workers for full-time positions, higher-level roles or increased wages.

In DWD’s news release encouraging employers to apply for the grants, DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said, "Wisconsin Fast Forward provides employers a training boost that fills positions while offering workers the skills they need to succeed." 

Hospitals continue to face persistent workforce gaps, especially in frontline technical positions as an aging population shrinks the available workforce and increases the demand for health care. Health care employers can support their current employees and individuals interested in a hospital career with the help of Fast Forward grants.

The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. Central Standard Time on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $400,000, or more if the applicant is a consortium.

More information and instructions to apply can be found at the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program. You can contact WHA Senior Vice President of Workforce and Clinical Practice Ann Zenk for questions about Fast Forward or any other health care workforce issue.