Advanced Microsensors Corp. Awarded Money in Workforce Training Grant

Information submitted by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development 

The Patrick Administration announced $5.7 million in the Workforce Training Fund General Grant Program, providing for the training of over 5,600 current and newly hired employees at 72 Massachusetts companies across the Commonwealth. The grants, which are for up to two years, serve as a resource for businesses to increase the skill set of their incumbent employees and provide valuable training to the workers. As a result of these awarded grants, participating companies project to create 414 new jobs by the end of 2015.

Among the recipients was Advanced Microsensors Corp. in Shrewsbury, which received $41,625 to train 40 employees, and an expected ten jobs added. 

“The Workforce Training Fund offers employees the ability to learn new skills and expertise that allows their employers to compete more effectively in their respective industries,” said Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) Secretary Joanne F. Goldstein. “It’s a proven resource and we look forward to working with the business community to further implement training initiatives and partner with them to maintain a highly skilled workforce in all regions and all economic sectors of the Commonwealth.”

Today’s Workforce Training Fund Program grants build on the record investments in workforce training and education made by the Patrick Administration in recent years. Within the manufacturing industry alone, the Administration awarded more than $10 million through this grant program to 117 manufacturers over the last two years. This latest round of Workforce Training Fund Program grants further supports manufacturers as well as initiatives to enhance skills for employees in other sectors including financial services, engineering and hospitality.

“Massachusetts companies recognize that their ability to compete globally depends in large measure on the skills of their workers. The grants announced today will strengthen those skills, as well as the productivity, efficiency and innovation of Bay State employers,” said Richard C. Lord, president and chief executive officer of Associated Industries of Massachusetts and Chair of the Workforce Training Fund Program Advisory Board.

“We encourage businesses, regardless of size, to contact us to learn more about the Workforce Training Fund and how this resource can help them to address their business needs,” said Nancy Snyder, president and CEO of EOLWD’s Commonwealth Corporation. "We are also interested in helping small businesses access the fund through consortiums that can be organized by third party workforce and training organizations.”

This round of Workforce Training Fund Program grants support companies located in more than 50 cities and towns across the Commonwealth. Of the 64 awarded grants, two are technical assistance grants, or planning grants, to prepare companies prior to implementing workforce training grants and initiatives. Additionally, two grants were awarded to consortium projects involving multiple employers with common training needs.