Funding Guides · Express Program
The Express Program, Explained.
The Workforce Training Fund Express Program helps Massachusetts employers pay for training their staff — the state reimburses part of the cost. Here’s who can apply, what’s covered, the rates and caps, and how to apply.
The basics
What the Workforce Training Fund is
The Workforce Training Fund is a Massachusetts program that helps employers pay to train the people they already employ. The Express Program is its simplest track: you pick eligible training, pay for it, and the state reimburses part of the cost. It is administered by Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp).
It exists because trained workers are good for the whole state economy — so Massachusetts shares the cost of upskilling with employers who contribute to the fund.
Who & what
Who can apply, and what’s covered
Who can apply: Massachusetts businesses that contribute to the Workforce Training Fund and have 100 or fewer W-2 employees. Eligible employers may be reimbursed up to 100% of eligible training cost.
What’s covered: the cost of eligible, instructor-led (live) training. It is not for equipment, travel, or paying wages during training. The specific eligible courses and costs are set by the program.
Please confirm the current figures. Reimbursement rates, caps and timelines are set by the program and can change. The figures below reflect the current CommCorp Express Program guidelines — treat them as a guide, not a guarantee, and confirm with CommCorp before you budget.
Rates & caps
What Express pays back
| What | Amount |
|---|---|
| Reimbursement rate | up to 100% of eligible cost |
| Cap per person, per course | up to $3,000 |
| Cap per instructional hour | up to $300 |
| Annual cap per company | up to $15,000 |
How & when
How to apply, and the timeline
- Choose eligible training for your staff.
- Submit an application/agreement to CommCorp before training starts.
- Run the training once your agreement is in place.
- Request reimbursement after the training is complete.
The employer manages this application directly with the state. Career Skills Center’s role is to provide the training. See the training we offer employers.
Express Program FAQ
What is the Workforce Training Fund Express Program?
It’s a Massachusetts program that reimburses employers for training their current staff. The employer pays for approved training up front and the state pays part of it back. It is run by Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp).
Which employers can apply?
Massachusetts businesses that contribute to the Workforce Training Fund can apply. Smaller employers get a higher reimbursement rate than larger ones. Check current eligibility with CommCorp before you plan.
What does Express cover?
It reimburses the cost of eligible, instructor-led training. It is for live instruction — it does not cover things like equipment, travel, or wages during training. The exact list of eligible courses and costs is set by the program.
How much does it pay back?
Reimbursement rates and per-person and per-company caps are set by the program and change over time. This page shows the current figures we have on file, but confirm them with CommCorp before you budget.
How do I apply?
The employer applies directly with the state: you choose eligible training, submit an application/agreement to CommCorp, run the training, and then request reimbursement. You manage this yourself — a training provider does not apply on your behalf.
What is Career Skills Center's role?
Career Skills Center provides training for employer teams. It does not apply for Express grants, handle the paperwork, or take payment for the grant process — the employer applies to the state directly. Career Skills Center is working toward becoming a listed Express provider.