US Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $741,000 to assist workers in Oregon affected by layoffs in multiple industries

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $741,502 grant to assist approximately 164 workers affected by layoffs at 15 companies in multiple industries in the Oregon counties of Jackson and Josephine.

"This grant will provide the retraining and job-search assistance that affected workers in Oregon need and deserve as they strive to get ahead in a challenging economy," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by The Job Council. The grant will provide affected workers with access to dislocated worker services, which may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

The project will emphasize post-secondary education and training that allow workers to acquire the skills needed to enter careers in promising regional industries. The program provider will seek to offer opportunities for training in green industries, as well as other nationally-defined demand occupations.

Jackson and Josephine counties have been severely affected by the recession, with unemployment rates of 12.4 and 14.2 percent, respectively. Layoffs at the 15 companies covered by the grant occurred between October 2008 and March 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/.