McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
Workforce Solutions
The Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) is a workforce development grant administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission that helps employers upgrade the skills of their current full-time Louisiana employees.
IWTP is funded through the Louisiana unemployment insurance taxes employers already pay. These funds are deposited into the state's Incumbent Worker Training Fund and used to support workforce training projects that strengthen Louisiana businesses and employees.
McNeese's Institute for Industry–Education Collaboration (IIEC) serves as the training provider of record for many IWTP projects. Before beginning an application, employers should consult with the IIEC. Our staff helps identify training needs, determine eligible courses or instructors, and ensure that McNeese—an approved public training provider—can be included in the proposal for strong scoring and compliance support.
The Incumbent Worker Training Program is funded through a portion of the Louisiana unemployment insurance taxes that employers already pay. Those funds are deposited into the state's Incumbent Worker Training Fund and then used to support eligible workforce training projects.
Louisiana employers pay unemployment insurance taxes as part of doing business in the state.
A portion of those employer-paid taxes is deposited into the state's Incumbent Worker Training Fund.
Eligible employers can apply for IWTP funding to help support training projects for their incumbent workforce.
Why this matters: many employers already contribute to this fund through the taxes they pay, but may not realize they can apply for workforce training support through the program.
For many companies, the biggest challenge is simply knowing where to begin. The steps below show how employers typically move from identifying a training need to submitting an IWTP application with support from McNeese IIEC.
The company does not need to know the IWTP process before reaching out. The first step is simply identifying where training could help—technical skills, safety, maintenance, leadership, equipment-specific instruction, or workforce upskilling.
What the company needs to know
McNeese IIEC works with the company to turn training needs into an IWTP-ready concept. This includes discussing training topics, likely participants, preferred delivery format, timeline, and whether existing McNeese or partner courses fit the need.
What the company needs to know
Once the training plan is clear, McNeese IIEC helps the company move into the application stage. The company supplies required business and trainee information, and McNeese helps organize the training details needed to support the application.
What the company needs to know
Many employers qualify for IWTP funding but are unsure whether their training needs fit the program. If your company can answer "yes" to most of the questions below, IWTP may be a good opportunity to support your workforce development goals.
If this sounds like your organization, the next step is simple: contact the McNeese Institute for Industry–Education Collaboration to discuss your training needs and determine whether IWTP funding may support your project.
Many employers qualify for IWTP funding but are unsure whether their training needs fit the program. If your company can answer "yes" to most of the questions below, IWTP may be a good opportunity to support your workforce development goals.
If this sounds like your organization, the next step is simple: contact the McNeese Institute for Industry–Education Collaboration to discuss your training needs and determine whether IWTP funding may support your project.
Final eligibility is determined by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, but most employers must operate in Louisiana, be in good standing, and train current full-time Louisiana employees.
General Eligibility
Funding Options
McNeese's Institute for Industry–Education Collaboration has served as the training provider of record for multiple Louisiana Workforce Commission grants supporting regional employers and their incumbent workforce.
Employers generally must have an established Louisiana business presence, be current on required unemployment insurance obligations, and train full-time Louisiana employees. Final eligibility is determined by LWC.
Customized IWTP applications often involve at least 15 trainees. Smaller employers may sometimes participate through a consortium structure.
The employer selects the training provider. McNeese IIEC helps employers identify qualified instructors and build a training plan that aligns with IWTP requirements.
Public training providers such as McNeese may support stronger application positioning while also simplifying contracting, documentation, and reimbursement compliance. See sample IWTP rating form for entire scoring criteria.
Yes. Training may be delivered on campus or at the employer's site, depending on the course, logistics, and program requirements.
Yes, as long as the training plan and budget clearly explain the participants, course structure, and costs.
Sample Customized Training Application Sample Contract Sample IWTP Rating Form
Companies often understand IWTP much faster when they can picture the kinds of workforce development activities the program may support. Below are examples of training topics that are commonly relevant to industrial employers.
OSHA-related topics, hazard awareness, safety leadership, and other programs that strengthen workplace safety and compliance.
Training in precision maintenance, mechanical fundamentals, preventive maintenance practices, and reliability-focused skills.
Courses focused on pumps, valves, rotating equipment, instrumentation, or other systems important to plant operations.
Troubleshooting, process operations, continuous improvement, and training that helps employees work more effectively in production environments.
Supervisor training, communication, team leadership, and other people-management skills that support workforce performance.
Training related to industrial software, new systems, digital tools, or technology adoption that improves workforce capability.
Amanda Hext
Coordinator of Continuing Education
Institute for Industry–Education Collaboration (IIEC)
(337) 562-4592
McNeese State University
LNG Center of Excellence
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Ms. Anna Grace Bizzle is an Academic Advisor for the College of Nursing and Health Professions. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Secondary Education from Mississippi State University. Her favorite part of advising at McNeese is being a resource for students as they get used to the expectations of college and helping students pursue their degrees at such a wonderful school.