Upskill Western Piedmont, an initiative of the Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board (WPWDB), offers competitive training grants to businesses in addressing employees’ skill gaps, improving employee retention, helping stabilize the business, and increasing the competitiveness of the employee and business. Through this effort, businesses:
- Improve Productivity and Increase Competitiveness
- Retain Key Talent and Expertise
- Reduce Employee Turnover
Grants of up to $10,000 may be awarded to eligible businesses in the WPWDB service region for training of their current workforce in areas including, but not limited to:
-Technical Training
-Certifications
-Leadership Development
-Soft Skills
-Professional Development
Funding is available for up to 12 months from the time of the award notification. Businesses may reapply in subsequent years. A lifetime maximum of $60,000 may be awarded to any individual business.
Learn more about the program and additional qualifications here or contact Trey Hedrick, Business and Virtual Services Coordinator at 828-485-4215 or email him here.
The Chamber of Catawba County identifies Talent Attraction, Retention & Development as one of its strategic priorities. We partner and support opportunities and solutions such as the Upskill Western Piedmont initiative in attracting and retaining a talented and diverse workforce in Catawba County.
-Certifications
-Leadership Development
-Soft Skills
-Professional Development
Funding is available for up to 12 months from the time of the award notification. Businesses may reapply in subsequent years. A lifetime maximum of $60,000 may be awarded to any individual business.
Learn more about the program and additional qualifications here or contact Trey Hedrick, Business and Virtual Services Coordinator at 828-485-4215 or email him here.
The Chamber of Catawba County identifies Talent Attraction, Retention & Development as one of its strategic priorities. We partner and support opportunities and solutions such as the Upskill Western Piedmont initiative in attracting and retaining a talented and diverse workforce in Catawba County.
Trey Hedrick
Trey was born in Claremont and grew up primarily in the Catawba County area. He graduated from Hickory High School in 2008 and attended Catawba Valley Community College from 2009-2011 where he received an associate’s degree. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. He has worked with NCWorks in various roles that served job seekers and employers. He left NCWorks in September of 2021 to be the Plant Manager for Marx LLC in Sawmills, NC. In April of 2024, Trey started his position as Business and Virtual Services Coordinator with the Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board.
Trey currently holds a 4th degree black belt in karate and teaches karate at Mountain View Karate Centers in Hickory. Go Team MVKC! He also coaches their tournament team alongside other amazing coaches.