US Department of Labor announces grant to provide employment services after layoffs in Minnesota

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $594,268 grant to assist about 130 workers impacted by the closure of Edward Jones Mortgage LLC offices in Minneapolis and suburban St. Louis Park.

"The nation's housing market has had a significant impact on employment in many fields," said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Gerri Fiala. "These former mortgage industry workers will undoubtedly benefit from the services provided under this grant, which will help them acquire the necessary skills to find another job in banking or in high-demand occupations."

The grant is being awarded to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and will be operated by HIRED. HIRED is a workforce development organization that provides employment services at 16 offices throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The grant will provide affected workers with access to dislocated worker services, including individual career counseling, skills assessment, skill upgrades, occupational skills training and job search assistance.

Workers at the company, which offers residential mortgages, received a notice under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act in January 2013 indicating about 214 workers would be affected by office closures. Edward Jones Mortgage LLC is a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank and a joint venture with the investment firm Edward Jones.

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 www.doleta.gov/NEG/.