Grants & Partnerships
Workforce Solutions
Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP)
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.
How IWTP Funding Works
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.
Employer UI Taxes
Louisiana employers pay unemployment insurance taxes as part of doing business in the state.
IWTP Training Fund
A portion of those employer-paid taxes is deposited into the state’s Incumbent Worker Training Fund.
Workforce Training Grants
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.
3 Simple Steps to Move from “What Is IWTP?” to a Completed Application
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.
Identify the Training Need
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.
- Think in terms of skill gaps, safety needs, new equipment, or employee development goals.
- Estimate which employees or departments need training.
- Companies do not need to have a full training plan—only a general idea of where training could help.
Meet with McNeese IIEC to Build the Plan
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.
- McNeese helps define the scope of training.
- The company provides basic information about its workforce and priorities.
- Together, McNeese and the company determine what can be proposed for IWTP funding.
Complete and Submit the IWTP Application
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.
- McNeese helps the company understand what information is needed.
- The application is completed collaboratively, not alone.
- After submission, the company waits for LWC approval before training begins.
Is Your Company a Good Fit for IWTP?
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.
- Does your company operate in Louisiana?
- Do you employ full-time workers in Louisiana?
- Are there skills, equipment, safety topics, or technologies your workforce would benefit from learning?
- Would your company benefit from training multiple employees in the same topic or program?
- Are you interested in strengthening workforce skills while offsetting some of the training cost?
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.
How IWTP Funding Works
The information below explains how IWTP funding works, outlines the available funding paths, and answers common questions employers often have when exploring the program. These details help companies understand how projects are structured and how the Louisiana Workforce Commission reviews applications.
Eligibility & Funding Options
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.
- Operate in Louisiana and contribute to Louisiana unemployment insurance taxes.
- Be in good standing with applicable state requirements.
- Train current full-time Louisiana employees.
- Customized IWTP projects often serve about 15 or more employees, unless a consortium structure is used.
- IWTP (Customized): Best for multi-course training plans serving a cohort of employees.
- SBET: A more streamlined option for smaller or off-the-shelf training needs.
How the Process Works
- Meet with the IIEC to review training needs and confirm McNeese as the provider of record.
- The IIEC helps open the application and guides the employer through the required documentation.
- Work with the IIEC to identify instructor(s), course descriptions, timelines, and cost details.
- Submit the application and provide supporting materials to the assigned grant administrator.
- LWC reviews and scores applications; those meeting the required threshold advance to funding review.
- If approved, contracts are executed and the reimbursement process follows.
Our IWTP Track Record
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.
Participating Employers
- Bessette Development Corporation
- Bryan, Strange, Smith, Insurance Agency, Inc.
- Firestone Polymers LLC
- McElroy, Quirk, & Burch (A Professional Corporation)
- Sasol USA Corporation
- Southwest Louisiana Small Business Consortium
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for IWTP funding?
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.
How many employees are required?
Customized IWTP applications often involve at least 15 trainees. Smaller employers may sometimes participate through a consortium structure.
Who selects the training provider?
The employer selects the training provider. McNeese IIEC helps employers identify qualified instructors and build a training plan that aligns with IWTP requirements.
What is the advantage of using a public training provider?
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.
Can the training take place onsite?
Yes. Training may be delivered on campus or at the employer’s site, depending on the course, logistics, and program requirements.
Can employees in different occupations be included in one application?
Yes, as long as the training plan and budget clearly explain the participants, course structure, and costs.
Examples of Training IWTP Can Fund
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.
Safety Training
OSHA-related topics, hazard awareness, safety leadership, and other programs that strengthen workplace safety and compliance.
Maintenance Skills
Training in precision maintenance, mechanical fundamentals, preventive maintenance practices, and reliability-focused skills.
Equipment-Specific Training
Courses focused on pumps, valves, rotating equipment, instrumentation, or other systems important to plant operations.
Process & Operations Training
Troubleshooting, process operations, continuous improvement, and training that helps employees work more effectively in production environments.
Leadership Development
Supervisor training, communication, team leadership, and other people-management skills that support workforce performance.
Technology & Software Training
Training related to industrial software, new systems, digital tools, or technology adoption that improves workforce capability.
Primary Contact
Amanda Hext
Coordinator of Continuing Education
Institute for Industry–Education Collaboration (IIEC)
Phone
(337) 562-4592
Location
McNeese State University
LNG Center of Excellence
Lake Charles, Louisiana