Recovery Act Provides Assistance to GM Workers
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 | 02:08am
$1 Million Available for Training in Growth Industries
NASHVILLE – General Motors workers displaced by the recent suspension of operations as well as suppliers to the GM plant may benefit from new grants totaling $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Commissioner James Neeley announced today.
“Tennessee is succeeding in attracting new industries and expanding existing industries. To continue this success, we must ensure Tennessee workers have the skills required to supply a workforce in high-demand occupations,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “These additional Recovery Act funds mean we can provide more training options for this group of displaced workers.”
The Recovery Act funding will go to the South Central Tennessee Workforce Board, which provides training services together with the Tennessee Career Center of Columbia.
“These Recovery Act dollars will go a long way to help unemployed workers prepare for jobs in areas where there are skill shortages,” said Commissioner Neeley. “We are committed to helping as many people as possible who are looking to rejoin the workforce.”
Dislocated workers can receive training in a variety of areas, including Business Information Technology, Accelerated Business Management, Industrial Maintenance with Solar Panel Installation/Welding, Medical Coding, Practical Nursing, Heating, Ventilation Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Green Jobs Technology, Residential Wiring & Plumbing, Solar Photovoltaic Technology, Automotive Technology, Health Information Technology, Bachelors in Nursing (Accelerated BSN), Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Registered Nursing and Bachelors in Nursing (RN-BSN), and Accelerated Teacher’s Certification in Education.
To be eligible, proof of dislocation from employment must be obtained. Tennessee Career Center staff will assess an applicant’s interest, aptitude and basic skills in reading, math, and language. Career Center staff work with participants to enroll them in a program that will ensure successful, appropriate training.
Training providers include the Tennessee Technology Center at Hohenwald, the Tennessee Technology Center at Pulaski, and Columbia State Community College.
For more information contact the Tennessee Career Center in Columbia, 119 Nashville Highway, or call (931) 490-3800. Directions to the Career Center can be found at http://www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/cc/cccounty_files/maury.htm.
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