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March 2010 - For immediate release: Former Eagle Workers get Funds for Retraining NEW BEDFORD - After the recent closure of the Eagle/Alliant Company this past summer, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. applied for and received a $657,572 Rapid Response set-side grant from the Patrick-Murray Administration's Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development to help serve those dislocated from the closure of the plant. The grant provides funds to serve over 200 dislocated Eagle/Alliant workers with services provided by the Greater New Bedford Career Center. Funds are also available to pay for training more than 100 individuals from this group that will likely need English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and skills training. "I'd like to thank Governor Patrick and the state's Rapid Response team for making these funds available to help our local workers and our city during these tough economic times," said New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang. "Putting people to work in New Bedford and communities across the Commonwealth is our top priority," said Governor Deval Patrick. "These funds will help ensure local workers receive the services and training they need to transition into the job market." Thirty-two of the displaced workers have found employment (87 are currently enrolled in training classes and another 70 are working with case managers to determine what options are available.) "The job market is tough right now," says Ed Dennehy, President of New Directions Southcoast, Inc., and the lead operator of the Career Center, "but we're hopeful that the skills these folks are learning now will work in their favor as more jobs become available." Joanne F. Goldstein, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, said, "We are using every resource, every staff member, and all of our collaborators to problem-solve as we emerge from a difficult economic period." Secretary Goldstein added that assisting with training and language proficiency is beneficial to workers and employers alike. Mayor Lang added, "I have great faith in our Career Center in placing these individuals into new jobs." The grant runs through December 31, 2010. For more information about training and services for Eagle/Alliant workers at the Greater New Bedford Career Center, contact Lisa Martin, Grant Coordinator, at 508-990-4143. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |