Skills Training and Education Program (STEP) uses Workforce Investment Act (WIA) monies to fund projects that solve workforce problems by addressing identified skilled worker shortages within a targeted industry through promoting the upgrading of incumbent workers’ occupational skills. STEP will provide funds to businesses to train incumbent workers in specific occupational skills needed by that business or industry and that lead to career growth up a defined career ladder and to increased wages (trainee wages must be increased by at least 3% within 6 months after the contract end date).