US Labor Department awards funding to help Montana workers affected by Weyerhaeuser’s lumber, plywood mill closure

State: Montana

Type of Award: National Dislocated Worker Grant

Award Amount Approved/Released: $225,000

Funding Awarded to: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

Number of Workers Served: Approximately 50

Use of Funds: The U.S. Department of Labor approved a National Dislocated Worker Grant award for $225,000 to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry Workforce Services Division to provide reemployment services to workers whose jobs – at a lumber and plywood mill operated by Weyerhaeuser – were lost when the international forest products company ceased operations at the Columbia Falls mill on Aug. 22, 2016.

Affected workers will receive a comprehensive program of assessment, case management, work readiness services, job development and job placement. Training services will include work-based learning, as well as skill training leading to industry-recognized credentials. These services will help prepare individuals for in-demand jobs.

Background: Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker training and employment programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events which cause significant job losses. The grants generally provide resources to states and local workforce investment boards to reemploy laid-off workers quickly by offering training to increase occupational skills.