Salem Companies Receive $232,940 in Workforce Training Grants

BOSTON – The Commonwealth’s Workforce Training Fund today released its semi-annual report for grant awards, Representative John Keenan (D-Salem) announced. Since 2003, Salem businesses have received almost a quarter million dollars in grant monies to promote workforce training and investment. In all, three Salem businesses – Heritage Cooperative Bank, PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, and Winter Street Architects – utilized $232,940 in workforce training grant funds to train for 153 jobs.

“These jobs are critical to the growth and progress of our community,” said Representative Keenan, “I hope other small businesses in Salem will take advantage of this program to help further development their workforce and expand the number of jobs available in Salem.”

The Workforce Training Fund is funded by legislative appropriation every fiscal year and administered by an advisory panel. Since 2003, they have awarded $8 million in grants to 100 Northeast businesses, providing training to 9,387 workers. Statewide they have awarded $120 million to 2,809 business, providing training to 172,059 workers.

Salem businesses interested in the Workforce Training Fund grant program should contact the Applicant Assistance hotline at 617-727-8158 or visit www.mass.gov/wtf.