The Training Program

WEDnetPA is improving the skill level and productivity of Pennsylvania's workforce to strengthen the business environment of the Commonwealth.

Successful companies are the key component to a healthy Pennsylvania economy. They employ residents ... provide family sustaining wages ... pay taxes ... encourage other businesses to grow ... and attract new companies to come to the Commonwealth. It’s important that our businesses have any and all advantages over their competition, nationally and across the globe.

In 1999, the Commonwealth committed itself to giving Pennsylvania businesses a significant competitive edge. Created by the Department of Community & Economic Development — DCED — and made available through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania — WEDnetPA — this program provides qualified employers training for new and existing employees. The training allows companies to stay competitive while keeping employee skills current and relevant.      

Eligible in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to Pennsylvania apply to WEDnetPA to access training funds. The funding, in turn, can be used for a wide range of training — categorized as either Essential Skills Training or Technical Skills Training.

The keystone of the program is its ability to be responsive to the needs of Pennsylvania's business community through a flexible and easy-to-use system. An important element of this system is that businesses determine their own training needs and can select among a wide range of training providers (the WEDnetPA partners, third-party providers or in-house staff) as well as how and where the businesses will receive the training (onsite, offsite or online).