WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded an announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor that it has awarded Maine $3,663,177 in federal grant funding to develop innovative job-training programs focused on regional and industry-specific collaborations.

More specifically, the funding will help connect workers who lost a job through no fault of their own and individuals struggling with long-term unemployment to a broad range of services, including on-the-job training; transitional jobs, pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships; job search assistance; and career planning and job coaching.

“Too many in Maine have felt the uncertainty that comes with job loss. And far too many have struggled to find a path back to the workforce,” said Senator King. “Innovative job-training programs help hardworking people get back on their feet and help Maine build a more skilled workforce. This funding will strengthen and expand critical programs, lower the unemployment rate, and fuel Maine’s economy.”

The funding, which is provided through the Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant Program, to the Maine Department of Labor will be used to advance and complement the more integrated and comprehensive dislocated workers services envisioned by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which Senator King supported when it passed the Senate in 2014.

The USDOL’s Bureau of Employment Services (BES) will partner with Maine’s Local Workforce Investment Boards and their WIOA service providers to conduct regional planning efforts deliver enhanced dislocated worker services, classroom training and work-based training opportunities. In addition, the BES and LWIBS will develop sector strategies through sector partnerships with regional employers who represent a significant percentage of the jobs in information technology, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Sector strategies, enhanced career services for dislocated workers, training, and work-based training models will result in the employment of dislocated workers in in-demand occupations in the three target sectors.

“We must constantly innovate and expand best practices to make sure our nation's workforce can compete in the global economy,” said. U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Today's awards will help better align workforce skills with the needs of regional industries. By doing so, these funds will have a positive and meaningful impact on the communities they serve now and into the future.”

The grant initiative also complements the goals to build a more integrated and comprehensive workforce development system envisioned by the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

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