PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), Wyoming
Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) proposes a new rule, Chapter 5 – Internship Grants. This rule is
a result of several factors and is based on trending business needs. DWS received input through Wyoming
businesses, educational and industry associations, the University of Wyoming incubator program, and legislative
contacts in support of an internship program.
This program is designed to complement and not compete with other federally funded employment programs.
Priority will be given to internships in preferred industries and with educational partners. DWS anticipates the first
year will serve as a pilot to determine long-term goals. Criteria has been set through these rules, the business
application process, the internship assessment tools and exit interviews.
DWS will reimburse eligible businesses up to a maximum of $12.00 dollars per hour per intern. Businesses are
expected to be responsible for all other costs for the internship, such as payroll taxes, bonuses, overtime, travel
expenses, supplies or equipment.
Internships or structured learning experiences are different than apprenticeship programs as it is open to any
Wyoming business or non-profit organization, that is not a government agency, it’s a flexible program, relatively
short-term in duration and does not result in a certificate. Apprenticeship programs are usually a long-term
commitment, have to be approved through the U.S. Department of Labor and result in certification of the
participants, once completed.
To apply for this grant, the business will identify the needs of the business, the learning objectives of the
internship, and show their support of the intern by assigning a mentor on-site that will assist the intern in their
structured, work-based learning opportunity. This opportunity will be available to both Wyoming-based start-ups
and established businesses to offer interns a wide variety of learning environments. Internships do not include selfemployment or entrepreneurial enterprises.
DWS understands interns can receive funding through Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act (WIOA), if
eligible. The WDTF grant process will require businesses to coordinate with WIOA to determine the eligibility of
the selected intern and provide documentation of ineligibility from WIOA prior to the first invoice submitted.
The Wyoming Development Training Fund is always striving to improve its services and support local business
needs, and must be flexible to address trending business needs as they develop. The internship program will help
businesses, the local economy and individuals seeking up-to-date work skills.
Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund
5221 Yellowstone Road
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-8717
Or via email to: dws-wdtf@wyo.gov
A public comment period will end at close of business on May 11, 2020.
Copies may be obtained by submitting a written request to the Division, with pre-payment by personal check or
money order for the total number of copies requested; the fee for each copy is $4.00. The proposed rules may be
downloaded, free of charge, from the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) at: