A federal grant aims to help manufacturing businesses in Clallam and Jefferson counties pay for worker training.

Eligible manufacturers have until July 24 to enroll employees in Washington State University (WSU) online training courses.

Employees can also get training through Highline and Shoreline community colleges; the deadline for those is in September.

For more information on how to register for fall classes, contact Mike Brennan at mike.brennan@wtb.wa.gov or call at 709 4616.

The $2.7 grant would allow local workers at participating businesses in 31 rural Washington counties to receive fully paid tuition for a variety of targeted training options – from purchasing and supply-chain management to freight forwarding.

The U.S. Department of Labor is paying for the training to boost the skills of those who work at small and mid-sized manufacturers in rural Washington counties, according to a press release. The online training is part of a larger grant dubbed “Make it in Washington.”

In addition to the course offerings at both the community college and university level for employees, qualifying manufacturers may receive a free business assessment from Impact Washington to help plan for improvement and growth.

“This is a great way for businesses to grow their employees into more productive, valuable members of the team, right where they live,” said grant manager Mike Brennan, an economic development specialist with the state’s Workforce Board.

“Because all training is online, it allows motivated manufacturing employees to advance their education from all parts of the state, at all levels of education.”

Training is focused on industry-relevant areas such as supply chain management, international trade and logistics. Undergraduate and graduate courses expand into project management, manufacturing leadership and six sigma certification.

This is the final year of the grant and funds are limited. More information at wtb.wa.gov/MakeitInWashington.asp.

The Workforce Board is a state agency that monitors and evaluates the state’s key workforce programs and also provides leadership on policies that help all Washington residents get the education and training they need to obtain living-wage jobs.