DOL announced $3.3 million grant to assist workers in Massachusetts affected by layoffs

On Sep 22, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a $3,319,718 grant to assist about 600 laid off workers at nine Massachusetts companies with training and employment services.

Impacted workers , who lost their jobs between November 2008 and October 2009, are from ACT Electronics Inc., Altus Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bose Corp., DHL, EMC Corp., Sepracor Inc., Snap-on Inc., Staples Inc. and Taylor Corp., in information, manufacturing, retail and transportation industries.

The grant was awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, and will be operated by Employment and Training Resources. It will provide the impacted workers with access to dislocated worker services, which may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

$1,906,964 of the $3,319,718 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

"This grant will ensure that affected workers across Massachusetts have access to high-quality re-training and re-employment services, which are crucial both to shaping the future career success of individuals and to spurring the state's growing industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.