US Labor Department announces grant exceeding $827,000 to assist workers affected by layoffs from electronics manufacturing industry in Massachusetts

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an $827,616 grant to assist about 135 workers in the commonwealth of Massachusetts affected by the closure of Jabil Circuit Inc. in Billerica, Mass.

"I am pleased that this grant will help laid-off workers enter training programs and acquire the skills needed to find new employment in emerging sectors of the economy," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "As our nation's economic recovery ramps up, we must offer our full support to working men and women and help them prepare to tackle the new jobs that will be created."

Awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, the grant will be operated by the Career Center of Lowell. It will provide these dislocated workers, all of whom are also certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), with access to "wrap-around" and supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance, which are not available through the TAA program.

Layoffs at Jabil Circuit Inc. in Billerica took place between May 1, 2009, and Sept. 1, 2009.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.