Governor Awards Masonite International Job Training Grant

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $23,000 to Masonite International in Dickson, Tenn. Incumbent Worker Training grants assist existing employers with training needs and averting possible layoffs. Over the past three years, Incumbent Worker Training grants have totaled more than $5.7 million to assist more than 22,000 employees.

“It is vital for Tennessee employers to continually train and upgrade the skills of their workers for our state to remain economically competitive,” said Governor Bredesen.   “I’m pleased that Tennessee businesses have access to Incumbent Worker Grants for the purpose of retraining existing employees to help make their businesses more productive and the skills of their employees more valuable.”

“I am proud to award this grant money to keep area workers on the job,” said Commissioner Neeley.  “Not only will this company benefit from the grant, but the surrounding communities of Dickson County will benefit as well.”

“I commend Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley for awarding the Incumbent Worker grant to this company,” said Senator Doug Jackson. “This will help keep Dickson 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 David Shepard.

Workforce Essentials played a key role in awarding the grant to Masonite International.

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.