DANVERS, MA – Earlier this week, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded $7.9 million in workforce training fund grants to 111 Massachusetts companies for training over 5,243 workers and creating an expected 522 new jobs.
One of those companies was United Tool & Machine Corporation, of Wilmington, which was awarded $150,680 to train 25 workers, resulting in an expected 4 additional jobs by 2019.
“Workforce training grants invest in the strength of our workers and Massachusetts’s labor market,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased these funds can assist workers in developing the skills they need to advance their careers and help businesses foster an employment pool which better matches their growth needs.”
“One of the most exciting aspects of these grants is that they not only lead to increased pay for workers but also often result in new hiring from the employers who participate,” added Lt. Governor Karen Polito.
The Workforce Training Fund provides grants of up to $250,000 to companies in Massachusetts to pay for employee training over a two-year period. Grants are awarded to projects that will upgrade workers’ skills, increase productivity, and enhance the competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses. Grants are matched dollar-for-dollar by the award recipients.
The Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Ronald L. Walker, II noted, “This fund helps ensure businesses remain competitive in an increasingly globalized employment environment. By focusing on developing the skill sets of our workers today, we ensure that they have access to the jobs of tomorrow.” The Workforce Training Fund is a program of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and is administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public state agency that fosters partnerships between industry, education, and workforce organizations. Commonwealth Corporation President & CEO Nancy Snyder said “This morning’s event is an ideal opportunity to highlight the success of our hosts and announce the latest round of Workforce Training Fund grants to businesses for customized training in everything from lean manufacturing to customer service; from computer skills to leadership development.”
The announcement event was held at the Danvers campus of North Shore Community College. The President of North Shore Community College, Patricia Gentile, remarked, “This event is a celebration of the many successful partnerships between our local businesses and North Shore Community College’s Corporate Training Solutions team. The investment of the Workforce Training Fund has made it possible for this community of learning to thrive.”
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and Commonwealth Corporation hopes to encourage businesses to address workforce training needs through the Workforce Training Fund. Interested parties are encouraged to visit WorkforceTrainingFund.org to learn more.
(NOTE: The above press release is from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.)
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