For Immediate Release

More than 300 workers will receive training as a result of the latest grants

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced six companies from across New Hampshire will receive more than $200,000 in Job Training grants. More than 300 New Hampshire workers will receive training as a result of the May grant round.

Job Training grants are aimed at keeping jobs in New Hampshire by helping companies provide training to their workers that will enhance their skills and allow them compete globally. Gov. Lynch made it a priority to reinstate the Job Training Fund, which distributes up to $1 million annually in matching grants to allow companies to train new workers or retrain longtime employees.

"Job Training grant are helping workers get the skills they need for good jobs and helping our companies get the skilled workforce they need to stay and grow in New Hampshire," Gov. Lynch said. "I am pleased to see so many New Hampshire workers receiving valuable training and so many businesses using this important tool designed to help strengthen our economy."

The May 2008 recipients of the Job Training grants are: DTC Communications, Nashua; TFG Tree-Free, Swanzey; High Liner Foods, Portsmouth; New Hampshire Federal Credit Union, Concord; Thermadyne, Lebanon; and Velcro USA, Manchester.

The six companies will provide matching funds in order to receive a total of $207,062 in state grants. The grants will allow 301 workers to receive job training.

In the seven months since the Job Training Fund was re-established, companies from across New Hampshire have received state grants totaling over $768,000. Companies receiving grants have contributed more than $1.1 million, bringing the total amount invested in new training for workers to more than $1.9 million.

Nearly 1,300 New Hampshire workers are receiving training as a result of the Job Training grants.

A 10-member Job Training Grant Review Committee reviews the applications and makes recommendations to state Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. The Workforce Opportunity Council administers the Job Training Fund for DRED.

For more information about the Job Training Fund, go to www.nhjobtrainingfund.org.

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