Governor Awards Ironworkers Local 704 Apprenticeship Assistance Training Grant

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $31,000 for an apprenticeship training grant to the Ironworkers Local 704 in Chattanooga, Tenn.  The pilot apprenticeship training grant will help offset the cost of apprenticeship programs to help meet the demand for skill trades workers.

“It is vital for Tennessee workers to continually train and upgrade their skills so our state can remain economically competitive,” said Governor Bredesen.  “Apprenticeship training grants are valuable resources to help meet the demands for skilled labor in Tennessee and will assist businesses in being more productive.”

“I am proud to award this grant money to be used for skill trades improvement,” said Commissioner Neeley.  “Employees with valuable skills enhance the quality of Tennessee’s workforce.”

“I commend Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley for awarding the apprenticeship training grant to the Ironworkers Local 704 apprenticeship training program,” said Representative Tommie Brown.  “The apprenticeship training grant is a constructive use of the state’s reserve fund.”

The Southeast Tennessee Development District played a key role in awarding the grant to the Ironworkers Local 704 apprenticeship training program.

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.