Governor Lynch Announces NH Receives Grant to Help Displaced Workers

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 30, 2008

Contact: Communications Director
Office of the Governor
603-271-2121


CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today the state has been awarded a $1.8 million federal grant, which will provide 150 displaced workers with an accelerated apprenticeship program and guaranteed jobs in two New Hampshire-based advanced manufacturing companies.

“Companies across New Hampshire all tell me the same thing - they have the jobs available but they need the skilled workers to fill those jobs. This grant will help get displaced workers the skills they need to get good jobs at two of New Hampshire’s advanced manufacturing leaders,” Gov. Lynch said. “I want to thank the Workforce Opportunity Council and its partners for putting this innovative grant proposal together, which will benefit the workers and their families and the New Hampshire economy.”

The proposal offers workers an accelerated, two-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship while being employed with Hypertherm, Inc., of Hanover, or Timken, Inc. of Lebanon. At the same time, these workers will earn college credits from River Valley Community College, which can be applied towards an associate’s degree. The workers will also have the opportunity to receive three additional nationally recognized industry certifications.

Gov. Lynch has made increased job training a priority. The Governor pushed to reinstate the Job Training Fund, which distributes up to $1 million annually in matching grants to allow companies to train new workers or retrain longtime employees. These grants are aimed at keeping jobs in New Hampshire by helping companies provide training to their workers that will enhance their skills and allow them to compete globally.

“This federal grant will augment the work we are currently doing to help ensure New Hampshire workers and the companies that employ them can compete in this changing global economy,” Gov. Lynch said.

“This $1.8 million grant will offer dislocated workers in the North Country and the Upper Valley, as well as other areas of the State, an opportunity for a good job, a good education and national certification in advanced manufacturing,” said Dick Anagnost, Chairman of the Workforce Opportunity Council.

The Workforce Opportunity Council, in partnership with Hypertherm, Timken, River Valley Community College of Claremont and VT HITECH, Inc., of Williston, Vt., developed and submitted the grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Labor.