Governor Awards $278,419 in Job Training Grants Across State

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have recently awarded $278,419 in job training grants to 7 companies across the state. Incumbent Worker and Apprenticeship Training grants assist employers with training needs associated with skills upgrades for their employees. Over the past four years, training grants have totaled more than $10 million to assist more than 37,000 employees.

 

"Job training to upgrade the skills of Tennessee’s workers is one of the best things we can do for our economy," said Governor Bredesen. "Now more than ever, it is important to continue training our workforce to keep employees and companies competitive."

 

The Incumbent Worker 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.

 

The Apprenticeship Assistance program is designed to help bring valuable skills training for the building trades and other skills related jobs in high-growth industries that face critical skilled worker shortages where demand exceeds supply. The following criteria must be met to qualify for the Apprenticeship Assistance Program. Organizations or employers must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship and have an active apprenticeship program in Tennessee. Funding priority is given to organizations that promote training in pre-apprenticeship and 1st and 2nd year apprentices where there are critical skilled worker shortages.

 

Below is a list of the seven companies awarded training grants.

 

1.      CVS Pharmacy

2.      Wilbur Smith Associates

3.      A O Smith Corporation

4.      Domtar Paper Company, LLC

5.      Local 43 Plumbers and Steamfitters

6.      Eastman Chemical Company

7.      Autobody America

 

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