Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $23,530 to Goodman Manufacturing and $2,000 to TenCate Grass North America both located in Dayton. This grant will provide training to 51 employees at Goodman Manufacturing in Computer Literacy, Industrial Math, Electrical Fundamentals and Resistance Welding and will provide training to 10 employees at TenCate Grass North America in HR Systems for Supervisors.
"Job training to upgrade the skills of Tennessee’s workers is one of the best things we can do for our economy," said Governor Bredesen. "Now more than ever, it is important to continue training our workforce to keep employees and companies competitive."
"The Incumbent Worker Grants help companies invest in the future of their workers," said Commissioner Neeley. "Over the past six years, Incumbent Worker Training grants have totaled more than $11 million to assist more than 40,000 employees."
“I commend Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley for awarding these grants in Rhea County,” said Senator Ken Yager.
“The Incumbent Worker Grants are a good tool to keep employers and workers up to date on the latest skills training,” said Representative Jim Cobb.
The Southeast Tennessee Development District played a role in awarding these grants to Goodman Manufacturing and TenCate Grass North America.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Incumbent Worker Training program. The program has been structured to be flexible to meet the business's training objectives. The business may use public, private, or its own in-house training provider based on the nature of the training.
The following criteria must be met to qualify for the Incumbent Worker Training Program. Employers must be in operation in Tennessee for at least one year prior to application date. Employers must have at least five full-time employees, demonstrate financial viability and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to businesses whose grant proposals represent a significant layoff avoidance strategy and represent a significant upgrade of skills.