Governor Awards Two Anderson Co. Companies Job Training Grant

PROTOMET CORPORATION AWARDED $29,947 & TECHMER PM AWARDED $25,000
 

NASHVILLE – Governor Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis have awarded $29,947 to Protomet Corporation in Oak Ridge and $25,000 to Techmer PM in Clinton.

“If Tennessee is going to become the number one location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs, then we must offer a well-trained workforce to employers,” said Governor Haslam. “This kind of training grant not only helps educate workers, but also provides incentive to employers looking to relocate or expand in Tennessee.”

“Both job creation and retention are vital in maintaining a healthy economy in Tennessee, and the Incumbent Worker Training program has played a key role in accomplishing this,” said Commissioner Davis.  “Since the program’s inception, Incumbent Worker Training grants have assisted more than 600 businesses by providing $14 million to train approximately 50,000 employees.”

In their application for the grant, Protomet Corporation stated this grant would allow the company to balance capital expenditures with process and organizational improvements to keep cost low and compete in theglobal economy allowing the business to grow and retain employees.

In their application for the grant, Techmer PM stated this grant would develop the skills that will allow the team to identify waste throughout the process. The removal of the waste – time, money, and resources – will keep Techmer PM competitive in the market and assist in growing the business.

“I would like to thank Governor Haslam and Commissioner Davis for their involvement in awarding this grant to the workers of Anderson County,” said Senator Randy McNally. 

“By investing in the skills of Tennessee’s workforce, we’re also investing in our future economic success,” said Representative John Ragan.

The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency played a key role in awarding the grant to Protomet Corporation.

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. Employersmust 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.

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