WorkForce Central is inviting Pierce County businesses to apply for funding assistance to enhance their employee’s skills. A total of $450,000 is available to help multiple businesses with training-related costs.

“We have made available funds to help you build up your workforce,” Linda Nguyen, chief executive officer of WFC, said. “This is just one of the things WorkForce Central is doing to help Pierce County businesses.”

WFC is responding to the Pierce County business community’s need to keep its employees skills current — soft and technical skills.

“This is another opportunity for Pierce County workers to sharpen their talents,” said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, WFC board chairwoman. “Changes in the workplace are constant. The funding is a wonderful chance for businesses to remain competitive by helping their employees stay on top of operational changes and learn new skills.”

Businesses benefiting from WFC funding include Franciscan Health System and MultiCare Health System. They have taken advantage of WFC’s Career Coaching program to help employees gain skills to move up the career ladder and fill in-demand jobs, such as registered nurses.

To date, about 230 healthcare employees have completed training through the program, with approximately 30 more on their way.

Interested businesses need to submit a funding request by 5 p.m. Feb. 19. Awarded requests will be announced March 1. Visit www.workforce-central.org to access the online submission form or for more information.