6/25/2010- Sires Announces On-the-Job Training Grants

For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey

June 25, 2010                                                                          201-222-2828

Washington, D.C.-- Today, Congressman Sires announced that New Jersey will receive $1,477,396 for On-the-Job Training, National Emergency grants.  These grants were made available as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These grants will assist unemployed workers by updating their job skills and providing a paycheck,” said Congressman Sires. “In this time of economic hardship, it is important to provide those who are unemployed the tools necessary to succeed in securing permanent employment.”

A total of $75 million in funds will be used for On-the-Job Training, National Emergency Grants to 41 states, the District of Columbia, and three federally recognized Native American tribes.  To encourage employer participation in these projects, partial reimbursement is provided to offset costs.  Participants are given the opportunity to “earn and learn,” which means in addition to developing occupational skills, they also earn a paycheck similar to the wages of current employees holding a similar position.  On-the-Job training opportunities focus on providing unique opportunities to those who already possess job skills by teaching them new and updated skills.

“I am a strong supporter of on-the-job training opportunities and believe they are one of the best training methods,” said Sires. “These grants will benefit employers and workers alike, and will ultimately assist in propelling our economic recovery forward.”

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