Manchin Urges West Virginians to Apply for Program to Train Laid-Off Workers
Department of Labor’s new Job-Driven National Emergency Grant program will distribute $150 million to states to train workers who have lost their jobs
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D- W.Va.) today encouraged West Virginians to apply for the Job-Driven (JD) National Emergency Grants (NEGs) program, a new initiative under the U.S. Department of Labor that will allocate $150 million in funding to states to train laid-off workers for available jobs. Funding will also be used to provide services, such as coaching, counseling and direct job placement that help connect laid-off workers, including the long-term unemployed, with jobs. The application deadline is May 27, 2014.
“The recent announcement from Patriot Coal along with the longevity of this stubborn economic recession has left many West Virginians still struggling to find good-paying jobs. This initiative is an incredible opportunity for our state to expand job training programs that will help hardworking West Virginians develop the skillsets necessary to fill open positions. I strongly encourage all West Virginians to take advantage of this program and apply for funding.”
Funding will also be used by states to create and develop partnerships between workforce and industry organizations and to coordinate with other programs in order to train and place workers. Other approaches that may be implemented through this funding include:
• Job coaching, guidance and job-matching models that specifically help long- term unemployed workers quickly re-enter the workforce;
• Using technology and online tools, including social media, to recruit workers, improve job search process, provide learning opportunities, and effectively communicate workforce information
• Providing personalized services for the unemployed, including one-on-one job coaching and financial guidance
• Developing measures to track employer satisfaction and success.
For instructions on how to apply, please visit the Department of Labor website here: http://www.doleta.gov/layoff/jd_user_guide.pdf
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