The N.C. Department of Commerce has awarded $990,694 for Incumbent Workforce Development Training Program projects to aid 52 companies and more than 1,500 workers statewide. The funding will allow companies to conduct productivity-enhancing, educational and skills training for workers.
The 52 awards, administered by the Division of Workforce Development and 22 local Area Workforce Development Boards, will go to a wide array of companies, from manufacturing, technology and financing firms to those specializing in health, furniture and food.
“North Carolina’s workforce has a well-deserved reputation for productivity, professionalism and diversity,” Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco said. “This program, which builds worker versatility and skills, benefits our state’s valued businesses and the employees that form their greatest asset.”
Grants were made in the following counties: Beaufort, Caldwell, Caswell, Cleveland, Cherokee, Craven, Cumberland, Davie, Gaston, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Henderson, Hertford, Iredell, Lenoir, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Pasquotank, Pitt, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wake, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes and Yadkin. Under the program, companies contribute training funds.
The program is funded by the federal Workforce Investment Act. The 2009 Program Year Incumbent Workforce Development Training Program Guidelines and Application are available on the Commerce Web site at:
www.nccommerce.com/en/WorkforceServices/FindInformationForEmployers/IncumbentWorkerProgram/.
The Department of Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency, developing and implementing long-term strategies around job creation and investment, community and workforce development, and innovation. For more information, see http://www.nccommerce.com.