WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $5,572,226 grant, with $2,545,312 released initially, to California to provide employment and training assistance for approximately 863 workers dislocated as a result of statewide layoffs from companies within the mortgage and banking industries.

“This $5.5 million grant will provide re-employment services, including skills training and career counseling, for these California workers to help them find new jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. 

The grant, awarded to the California Employment Development Department, will provide affected workers with a full array of dislocated worker services that may include skills assessment, individual career counseling, career and occupational skills training, and relocation assistance.

Between July 1 and December 31, 2007, California experienced large worker dislocations as a result of more than 40 mortgage industry employers filing Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notices.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.