December 21, 2006 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced a $965,000 Dislocated Worker Program Adjustment Grant has been awarded to Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Agency to support continuing, comprehensive and timely re-employment services tailored to workers' individual needs.  The funding is to provide on-going, long-term job preparation for displaced workers who have been laid off, or who have received notice of layoff and are unlikely to return to their previous industry or occupation.

"This grant will help workers in Macomb and St Clair counties get the job training they need to find long-term, good-paying jobs in areas like health care and skilled trades which have openings right now in Michigan," Granholm said.

Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Director John H. Bierbusse noted that the funds will be well used. "Our front-line workforce development staff has determined that approximately 690 workers will be affected by plant closures and layoffs in Fraser, Sterling Heights, Romeo, St. Clair Shores, and Warren.  These funds will help our fellow Michiganders upgrade their career education and job skills in order to stay on the cutting edge of innovation, initiative and enterprise."

The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) makes the grant funds available from the federal Workforce Investment ACT (WIA) funds set aside to be used as needed in high-impact areas requiring additional funding to meet local needs.

DLEG is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.