Grant helps jobless workers

By Staff
Alabama workers who have recently lost their jobs and are seeking employment may be getting some help thanks to a $1.3 million grant awarded by Governor Bob Riley.
Governor Riley directed the funding to be used by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education to provide job skill training to recently displaced workers. The grant was made with money the state received from the federal stimulus law.
“There are many Alabamians who need help in this down economy. The training funded with this grant will help some of them who have lost their jobs recently to learn new skills and, hopefully, reenter the workforce as quickly as possible,” Gov. Riley said.
Eligible recipients are workers who have been displaced within the last six months and whose former employer received assistance through the state’s Rapid Response Team. The team provides on-site assistance for employees when companies announce closings or workforce reductions.
The training will be provided by the state’s two-year college system and private training institutions that have met state qualifications.
Those seeking assistance should contact their local Career Center or they may call 877-US2-JOBS. Morgan County’s Career Center is located in Decatur; its number is 355-0142.