Family-Owned Braintree Business Gets Grant from $2 Million Workforce Training Fund

George H. Dean Co., a printing and design firm founded in 1889 and located in Braintree, has received $124,150 from the state as part of an outlay of more than $2 million in Workforce Training Fund grants to 28 Massachusetts companies.

The family-owned shop on Campanelli Drive will use the money to train 47 employees and create three new positions, according to a press release from the governor's office. 

"We are focused on addressing the skills gap issue in the Commonwealth so that workers can compete in today’s ever-changing jobs market,” Gov. Deval Patrick said in the release. "The Workforce Training Fund focuses on the needs of both our businesses and workers, as Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in economic recovery.”

The release goes on:

The companies are located in twenty-three towns across the Commonwealth, and employee trainings will cut across a variety of sectors helping engineers, lean manufacturing, suppliers, trades, and food services.

“The Workforce Training Fund continues to provide Massachusetts companies with the right resources to train employees and build a stronger and more effective workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “The program is another tool in the toolbox for businesses, and we look forward to seeing this funding support new jobs, increased work capacity, and business growth in regions across the Commonwealth.”

“We are committed to providing training to new and incumbent workers so that they develop the skill sets and expertise necessary for sustainable jobs that are in demand by Massachusetts employers,” said Joanne F. Goldstein, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development. “We welcome future applications from employers who recognize the value of training, at all levels, and propose training programs that enhance their business and upgrade the Massachusetts workforce.”

The fiscal year 2012 budget established the Workforce Training Fund as a trust fund, allowing for collection and disbursement of funds as needed by businesses, rather than on an annual appropriation cycle.

“Businesses are welcome to contact us about grant workshops held across the Commonwealth to help educate businesses about this excellent resource,” said President and CEO of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development's Commonwealth Corporation Nancy Snyder. "We are delighted to see consortiums applying for grants together to fill needs that help a variety of workers.”

Other nearby companies include:

Canton – Network Engines, Inc., $103,200 awarded. 121 employees to be trained, 12 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.

Mansfield – LACERTA GROUP INC., $49,500 awarded. 78 employees to be trained, 17 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.