DOL announces grant exceeding $394,000 to assist workers affected by boat manufacturer layoffs in Maine

On Nov. 9, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a $394,617 grant to assist about 60 workers affected by layoffs at The Hinckley Co., a leading producer of pleasure boats and yachts, in Trenton, Maine .

The grant was awarded to the Maine Department of Labor, and will be operated by the Eastern Maine Development Corp. to provide affected workers with access to dislocated worker services. Those layoffs at The Hinckley Co., taking place between October 2008 and June 2009, will receive various services, such as individualized career assessments and planning services, recruitment, case management, job skills training, basic computer skills training and job placement.

"This grant will provide the retraining and job search assistance necessary for these Mainers to enter new careers in promising regional industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.