Mar. 15 - DEED Receives Grant to Assist BAE Systems Workers

ST. PAUL – The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Dislocated Worker Program a $787,000 National Emergency Grant (NEG) to assist about 183 workers affected by layoffs at BAE Systems Inc. in Fridley.

“While we are seeing some signs of recovery in our economy, many laid-off workers need continued support as they look for work,” said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. “This grant offers additional resources to help affected individuals get their career back on track and find a new job.”

Career Management Services, a non-profit subsidiary of the Employers Association, is providing dislocated worker services through this grant. These services may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training. Any worker included in the BAE Systems layoffs, but not yet enrolled in the Dislocated Worker Program, should contact Lisa Thomas, Career Management Services at lisat@employersinc.com .

Layoffs at BAE Systems Inc. occurred between July and December 2009 following the company's loss of a large U.S. Department of Defense contract.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NEGs are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.   

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.

Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disk.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Communications Office
Phone 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858 ∙ TTY 1-800-657-3973
www.PositivelyMinnesota.com