Governor Awards Shelby County Apprenticeship Grant

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $50,000to Memphis Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (MEJATC). The grant will provide training to 110 apprentices in commercial, industrial and electrical technology.

 

"It is vital to continually train and upgrade the skills of Tennessee’s workforce to keep our state economically competitive," said Governor Bredesen. "Apprenticeship training grants are valuable resources to help meet the demands for skilled labor in Tennessee and help businesses become more productive.”

 

"I am proud to award this grant money to MEJATC," said Commissioner Neeley.  "In 2008, the Workforce Development Division awarded more than $600,000 to train 350 apprentices across the state."

 

“Training grants keep companies competitive and profitable,” said Senator Beverly Marrero. “I applaud the Governor for awarding this grant for apprenticeship training and helping to improve our economy.”

 

“I commend Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neely for awarding this grant toMEJATC,” said Representative Mike Kernell. “The trainees in this field will benefit greatly and so will the employers who hire them.”

 

The Workforce Investment Network played a key role in awarding the grant to MEJATC.

 

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Apprenticeship Assistance Program. The 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.