Nov. 3 - DEED Awarded Workforce Grant

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has been awarded a $64,500 supplemental grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to help workers who lost their jobs at BAE Systems Inc. in Fridley.

The National Emergency Grant (NEG) is providing re-employment assistance to 198 people who were laid off when BAE Systems lost a contract last year to make cannon systems for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Labor Department originally awarded a grant of $786,900 in March to help 183 workers who were laid off from the company. Since then, another 15 workers have lost jobs because of the contract termination.

The funding provides skills assessment, basic skills training, career counseling, occupational training and other services offered by DEED’s Dislocated Worker Program.

“This grant will help workers re-train and return to the workforce as quickly as possible,” said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. “This and other funding are a crucial part of our strategy for putting people back to work.”

National Emergency Grants provide temporary funding for state and local employment and training programs. Each state must apply for the grants and must meet specific eligibility guidelines. DEED has been awarded just over $15 million in NEG funding over the last 1½ years.

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.

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Upon request, the information in this news release can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161.

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
An equal opportunity employer and service provider.