Healthcare added to Oklahoma Talent Accelerator Grant program

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Healthcare employers across Oklahoma can now receive state grant funding to help train employees after the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission expanded its Oklahoma Talent Accelerator Grant program to include the healthcare industry.

The commission announced the change this week, allowing eligible healthcare employers to receive reimbursement for up to 80% of the cost of approved workforce training programs.

State officials say the expansion is intended to strengthen Oklahoma's healthcare workforce while helping employers recruit, develop and retain skilled professionals to meet growing demand.

"Healthcare is one of Oklahoma's most critical industries, and investing in its workforce is essential to meeting the needs of our communities," OESC Vice President of Workforce Services DeDe Smith said in a statement. "By adding healthcare to the Talent Accelerator Grant, we're giving employers another tool to attract, develop and retain the skilled professionals they need."

The Oklahoma Talent Accelerator Grant helps employers offset the cost of workforce training in industries considered essential to the state's economy. Before the expansion, the program was available to employers in the defense, aerospace, AI infrastructure and advanced manufacturing sectors. Healthcare is now the fifth qualifying industry.

Lisa Boyd, senior director of strategic partnerships at Guild, said healthcare organizations have been eager to participate as Oklahoma continues investing in workforce development.

"Oklahoma has built real momentum around workforce investment, and healthcare employers have been eager to be part of it," Boyd said in a statement. "This expansion opens new pathways for healthcare employers to invest in their teams, and ultimately, in the communities they serve."

Eligible employers interested in learning more about the Oklahoma Talent Accelerator Grant or applying for reimbursement can click here for additional information.

Healthcare added to Oklahoma Talent Accelerator Grant program

Comments