By Staff
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has announced an award of $220,000 in federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Dislocated Worker Program funding to the Berrien/Cass/Van Buren Michigan Works! agency, headquartered in Benton Harbor.
The funds will help provide employment and training services for dislocated workers in the tri-county area. Included will be on-going, long-term job preparation for workers who have been laid off or who have received notice of layoff and are unlikely to return to their previous industry or occupation.
“Company officials at one recent layoff indicated that nearly half of the people did not have a GED. Moreover, we are acutely aware of the need for remedial education in basic literacy to strengthen our workforce,” said Todd Gustafson, Berrien/Cass/Van Buren Michigan Works! executive director.
The federal Workforce Investment Act, administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, makes the grant funds available from the Governor's Discretionary Reserve, a set-aside percentage of the state's total award to be used as necessary in high-impact areas requiring additional funding to meet local needs.
The Department of Labor &Economic Growth (DLEG) is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place in which to live and do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.