Governor Awards Roane Co. Companies Job Training Grants

TWO COMPANIES AWARDED MORE THAN $19,000

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $11,273 to Sunbridge in Harriman, and $8,000 to Chase Scientific Instruments in Rockwood, Tennessee. More than $3 million in Incumbent Worker Training Grants was awarded in fiscal year 2005-06 benefiting almost 15,000 Tennessee workers who retained their jobs and received skill upgrades.

“The Incumbent Worker Training Grants are essential to help Tennessee’s workers look to the future with job growth and stability,” said Governor Bredesen. “These grants will help keep these companies competitive and increase the skills of their talented employees.”

“The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides grant funding for customized training for existing businesses,” said Commissioner Neeley. “I am proud to award this grant money to keep area workers on the job.”

“I commend Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley for awarding the Incumbent Worker grants to Sunbridge and Chase Scientific Instruments,” said Senator Tommy Kilby. “This will help keep Roane County workers employed and help improve our economy.”

“The Incumbent Worker grants are a wonderful tool for companies to train their workers in the latest technology and production skills,” said Representative Dennis Ferguson.

The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency played a key role in awarding the grants to Sunbridge and Chase Scientific Instruments.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Incumbent Worker Training program. The program has been structured to be flexible to

meet the business’s training objectives. The business may use public, private, or its own in-house training provider based on the nature of the training.

The following criteria must be met to qualify for the Incumbent Worker Training Program. Employers must be in operation in Tennessee for at least one year prior to application date. Employers must have at least five full-time employees, demonstrate financial viability and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to businesses whose grant proposals represent a significant layoff avoidance strategy and represent a significant upgrade of skills.