A $19 million state training grant will help nearly 2,500 residents in 13 counties receive training for new careers, including 50 residents of San Benito County.
The grant will provide training and job assistance for laid-off workers through the California Multi-Sector Workforce Partnership. In San Benito County, former employees of the Hollister School District, Milgard Window and the County of San Benito will receive assistance.
“California is steadily adding jobs as we work our way out of the deepest economic downturn in more than seven decades,” said Pam Harris, the California Employment Development Director. “While we have taken great strides, we still have far to go. Many workers remain unemployed because they lack the skills needed in the economy of the 21st century. This grant will provide them with the tools to find jobs in three primary high-growth industries: health care, professional and business services, and transportation and warehousing.”
The funding will be used to provide advanced education, basic skill training, job search assistance, work experience and supportive services.
Funding for the program is from Governor Jerrry Brown’s 25 percent portion of Dislocated Worker Funds from Title I of the federal Workforce Investment Act and is under the administrative authority of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s EDD.
Other counties to receive funding include Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, Glenn, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Sutter and Yuba.
