A $2.7 million federal grant will help manufacturing businesses across Washington pay for worker training at nearly no cost, according to a recent press release from the Workforce Training Board.

The grant, according to the board’s press release, is an opportunity for local workers at participating businesses to receive fully paid tuition for a variety of targeted training options, including supply chain management and freight forwarding.

Island County will be among 31 rural Washington counties included in the boost in training for those who work at small and mid-sized manufacturers, paid for by the U.S. Department of Labor. Funded online training is part of a larger grant called “Make it in Washington.”

Course offerings will be found at both community college and university levels for employees, and qualifying manufacturers may also receive a free business assessment from Impact Washington to help plan for improvement and growth. Schools offering the programs include Highline and Shoreline community colleges, as well as Washington State University.

The enrollment deadline for fall online courses at Washington State University is July 24.

The Shoreline and Highline community colleges’ fall deadlines are in September. Get more information on how to register for fall classes, contact Mike Brennan at mike.brennan@wtb.wa.gov or call him at 360-709-4616.

More details can be found at http://wtb.wa.gov/MakeitInWashington.asp.