BOSTON – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow) joined Hudson Town officials and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta on April 2 at the New City Microcreamery to celebrate Workforce Development Grants that were awarded to small businesses in Hudson through the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s (EOLWD) Workforce Training Fund Program. New City Microcreamery was awarded $36,400 to train 18 workers and anticipates adding 3 jobs by 2020. Saliga Machine Company was awarded $34,200 to train 5 workers and anticipates adding 4 jobs by 2020.
“It was terrific to celebrate Hudson’s renaissance, and to recognize the important role that workforce development grants play in helping small businesses grow and compete,” said Senator Eldridge. “I want to thank the Baker-Polito administration and Secretary Acosta for investing in our communities by increasing access to specialized training for workers.”
“Congratulations to the Hudson companies that received grants from the Workforce Training Fund Program to help train employees, improve productivity, and grow their business,” said Representative Hogan. “I’m proud that the Commonwealth continues to invest in our workforce, and the New City Microcreamery was the perfect place for state officials and business leaders to gather and celebrate the exceptional local businesses and employees that sustain our communities.”
Funded by Massachusetts employers via contributions made to unemployment insurance, the Workforce Training Fund helps companies improve productivity and competitiveness by providing resources to invest in the Massachusetts workforce. In partnership with EOLWD, Commonwealth Corporation reviews and awards training grants of up to $250,000 to Massachusetts businesses and consortia of businesses to fund training for current and newly hired employees. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year. Approximately $17.95 million was awarded in FY 2017 to train 10,582 workers at 206 different companies.
The program is a powerful tool to create new jobs, increase skills and opportunities for our workers, and maintain the economic strength and viability of the Commonwealth’s businesses. Companies who completed grants in FY 2017 added jobs at a rate of 8.21%, more than double the statewide average of 3.09%. This resulted in 1,591 new jobs, which is more than double the 890 new jobs proposed by grantees when applications were submitted.
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