Grant supplements job-training costs

LONGMONT – Companies looking for money to train new workers can get up to $10,000 per employee from Workforce Boulder County.

A new $100,000 federal grant is providing funding for the program, which is expected to help about 10 people, said Sara Miller, who handles business services for Workforce Boulder County, a government job-search program.

People who have been unemployed for at least 19 weeks and who were laid off after Jan. 1, 2008 are the target potential employees, Miller said. Employers may offer jobs in a variety of areas, including energy auditing, medical coding and billing, drafting, accounting, project management, geographic information systems, pharmacy technicians and administrative assistants, among others, according to Workforce Boulder County.

“It’s expensive to train people. We help supplement the training costs,” Miller said. “In addition, it’s been shown that people who have been laid off for a longer period of time; it’s harder for them to find employment. It’s just a product of the economy.”

Potential employees who have signed up for the program at the Workforce office are “high skilled and highly educated,” Miller said. One has more than one master’s degree. Others are former architects, draftsmen and accountants, she said.

“They have tons of experience. They were laid off, and they’re struggling to get back in,” Miller said. “This gives them a little piece of hope that maybe they can find something. Hope is good.”

Employers can be reimbursed 50 percent to 90 percent for costs associated with training a new employee. Costs are calculated based on the pay rate for the agreed upon training period. Jobs must be full-time permanent positions that pay at least $15 per hour, according to Workforce Boulder County.

Companies interested in learning more about the program can call Miller at: 303-301-2922. Or send her an e-mail at sara.miller@wfbc.org. Workforce Boulder County has offices in Longmont and in Boulder.

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