(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Pikes Peak Workforce Center (PPWFC) has $220,000 available in program funds to help businesses train employees and increase their skills in an effort to prevent layoffs. According to PPWFC, preference will be given to in-demand industries during the selection process, such as health care, information technology (IT), manufacturing, cybersecurity, hospitality, and tourism, as well as to companies whose training leads to expansion of duties for employees. “This program presents wonderful opportunities for companies in both El Paso and Teller counties,” said Pikes Peak Workforce Center’s Communications & PR Manager Becca Tonn. “We hope a diverse array of businesses and nonprofits will apply for this funding, which is aimed at enhancing their economic sustainability through employee training and skill development.” Employers can select which training programs fit their business and employee needs. Examples of training that qualify are listed by sector below: Technical and industrial skills AC/DC electricity Advanced hydraulic Advanced programmable logic controllers (PLCs) Electrical schematics Motors and controls Multi-industry systems technician (MIST) programming Total productive maintenance (TPM) Healthcare CNA training IT and Cybersecurity DF01: Mongo DB Developer MCA Microsoft 365 Security w/MCE Enterprise Administration Leadership and Management Executive leadership training Lean manufacturing Six Sigma Value stream mapping Innovation and Quality Assurance Customized ISO Rapid cycle product innovation Employers interested in applying for funding must register and attend an hour-long virtual "How to Apply" session to learn how their business can benefit from the funding. Three virtual session timeslots are available: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. The timeline for the funding is: Application Deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 8 p.m. Funding Announcement: Friday, Feb. 14, Training Completion Deadline: June 13, 2025 For more information, go to ppwfc.org/funds-for-worker-training, or click the link above.