US Department of Labor announces $1M grant to help Massachusetts workers affected by 2015 layoffs in Lowell, Westford prepare for new jobs

State: Massachusetts

Type of Award: National Dislocated Worker Grant

Award Amount Approved/Released: $1,040,264

Funding Awarded to: Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Number of Workers Served: Approximately 110

Use of Funds: The U.S. Department of Labor approved a National Dislocated Worker Grant award for $1,040,264 to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The funds will provide reemployment services to individuals impacted by the closures of A. H. Notini and Sons, Inc. and Cobham Sensor Systems, both located in Lowell, and Courier Westford, Inc. in Westford. The closures took place within a six-week period from August 2015 to October 2015.

The project will provide the full array of comprehensive dislocated worker services to the affected individuals, with an additional focus on training in the high growth sector of advanced manufacturing. Participants at the Career Center of Lowell will enroll in certification programs such as Computer Numerical Controlled Machinists and Advanced Manufacturing Electronics. Training in these fields will qualify participants for high-demand, high-wage jobs in the area.

Background: Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, NDWGs temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker training and employment programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events which cause significant job losses. NDWGs generally provide resources to states and local workforce investment boards to reemploy laid-off workers quickly by offering training to increase occupational skills.