State Representative Mike Duffey (R-Worthington) has announced that the State Controlling Board has approved the release of $1 million for FY 2012 and $1.3 million for FY 2013 for FY 2013, which will be used for job training to enable workers to obtain skills needed to become employed in specialty occupations.

“Economic development and job growth is dependent on the knowledge and skills of workers,” said Rep. Duffey. “This Controlling Board approval allows Ohioans to enhance their talents and further their careers and their earning potential by partnering educational institutions and Ohio businesses. I am confident that this partnership will develop a successful workforce in central Ohio and across the state.”

According to documents from the Office of Budget and Management, the purpose of this grant is to support activities such as classroom training, on-the-job training, and internships specifically designed to provide eligible participants with the technical skills and competencies necessary to meet the needs of high-demand industries and Ohio employers, and to obtain employment in occupations that companies often fill with non-American workers under the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program.

The grant program will subcontract with four educational institutions in Ohio—including Columbus State Community College—to implement these training and employment projects. Numerous Ohio employers are crucial to this program, including Cytec, Momentive Performance Products, Degussa Engineered Carbons, PPG, Dupont, Solvay, TechColumbus, Weaver Leather, Jackson Belden Chamber of Commerce, The Timken Co., Seifert Technologies Inc., Diebold Inc., and many others.

Eligible participants of this program must be either unemployed, underemployed or dislocated workers.