Missouri receives 2 million dollars award for outstanding efforts in reemployment for dislocated workers

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today that Missouri is one of four states to receive On-the-Job Training National Emergency Grants (NEG), awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The $2,015,762 award is designated for states that have done an exceptional job in expanding their OJT programs, which provide on-the-job training for laid-off workers.

The Show-Me State received the grant for outstanding progress among the states that received an initial OJT NEG award in 2010. Last June, Missouri received $1.28 million to jump start re-employment for dislocated workers experiencing prolonged unemployment by enabling employers to create training and job opportunities for these individuals. Today's announced award of $2,015,762 will assist the state of Missouri in continuing to enhance its OJT program.

"Under Governor Nixon's direction we have made job training a priority, demonstrated by the 52 percent increase in job training funding in this year's budget," said David Kerr, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. "This federal award of $2 million dollars will help us further assist additional numbers of Missourians in upgrading their skills while they look for employment. It is also another great example of how committed our administration is to job training for Missourians."

Missouri's On-the-Job Training Program — offered through DED's Division of Workforce Development (DWD) and local workforce boards — lets workers receive work-based training that allows them to sharpen their skills while they earn wages.

The award notification from USDOL cited the four recognized states as having "engaged in activities that are consistent with successful OJT reemployment models, and apply principles that are sound and effective" in providing OJT opportunities to dislocated workers.

DWD has been emphasizing the OJT program since the fall of 2009 to help businesses save training costs while preparing new hires for their vital jobs. OJT Coordinator Vicky Loggins has been featured on national OJT training webinars, after Missouri's program was recognized by USDOL as a best practice.

See MissouriCareerSource.com for more information about Missouri's workforce development/Career Center system or contact Ms. Loggins at 573-526-8223.