Employer Funding: SBET and IWTP

Louisiana programs that can cover 50% to 100% of training costs.

Cost is the most common objection to training investment. Louisiana employers have access to two state-funded programs that can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket training costs for cognitive verification training.

Small Business Employee Training (SBET)

The SBET program reimburses eligible small businesses for employee training costs. It is administered by Louisiana Works (formerly the Louisiana Workforce Commission) and designed specifically for businesses that need to develop their workforce but face budget constraints.

Eligibility Louisiana businesses with 50 or fewer employees, in business at least 3 years, contributing to and in compliance with state UI tax laws Reimbursement Up to $3,000 per employee per state fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) Coverage Tuition, required textbooks, and course materials Timing Employers must apply and receive written approval before training begins. Training must be completed within the fiscal year it starts. Provider Requirement Training must be delivered through a Louisiana Board of Regents institution or qualifying trade association. Sherpa Humaneering Group is actively establishing institutional training partnerships to ensure SBET eligibility for employer clients.

Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) -- Customized Training

The IWTP Customized Training program is designed for companies that need to upgrade the skills of their existing workforce. It is one of the most substantial employer training programs available in the United States and is administered through Louisiana Works.

Eligibility Louisiana employers operating in the state for at least 3 years, in compliance with UI tax laws, with a minimum of 15 employees to be trained. Employers with fewer than 15 employees who need training should look at the SBET program above. Coverage Can cover up to 100% of training costs including instructor fees, materials, and curriculum development when the application is approved. Application Applications are scored on a point system, with higher-scoring applications approved monthly based on available funds. Selecting a public training provider on the application earns additional scoring points. Provider Flexibility IWTP allows employers to select any qualified training provider. Sherpa Humaneering Group is establishing partnerships with accredited Louisiana training institutions to serve as provider of record, maximizing application scoring and streamlining grant administration for employer clients.

Why Cognitive Verification Training Qualifies

Both SBET and IWTP fund occupational safety training that develops worker skills and improves operational effectiveness. The Crucible is an 8-hour, instructor-led workforce development course that teaches supervisors a measurable skill: how to verify that workers have cognitively engaged with hazards and controls before task execution.

The training targets occupations classified under SOC codes that align with Louisiana demand occupation categories, including first-line supervisors of construction, production, and material-moving operations, as well as occupational health and safety professionals.

The course produces documented behavioral change within 24 hours, measured through the Cognitive Verification Quality Framework (CVQF), and applies directly to workplace safety outcomes without adding paperwork or documentation burden.

The course is in the CEU accreditation process and will carry Continuing Education Units through an accredited Louisiana training institution. CEU accreditation strengthens eligibility for state-funded training programs and provides recertification value for BCSP credential holders (OHST, CHST, CSP, ASP).

How to Get Started

1. Contact us to discuss your situation. We will help you determine whether SBET or IWTP is the right fit based on your company size and training needs.

2. We coordinate with our accredited training institution partner to serve as provider of record on your application, which maximizes your scoring and simplifies administration.

3. You submit the application to Louisiana Works. Approval must be received in writing before training begins.

4. We deliver the Crucible at your site or a training facility. Upon completion, you submit documentation for reimbursement (SBET) or the training institution handles invoicing directly (IWTP).

The state fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. Planning ahead ensures your organization captures the maximum available funding within the current cycle.

Explore Funding for Your Team

We will help you determine eligibility and navigate the application process.

Contact Us