Posted: Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:37 pm

NASHVILLE – Gov. Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce

Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $31,196 to Ingram Content Companies in LaVergne and $50,000 to Smyrna Air Center Inc. in Smyrna.

This grant will provide training to 38 employees at Ingram Content Companies in Outset Consulting and will provide training to six employees at Smyrna Air Center Inc. in Aircraft Systems Training, Airframe & Systems Training and Series Initial Factory Training.

"Job training to upgrade the skills of Tennessee’s workers is one of the best things we can do for our economy," Bredesen said. "Now more than ever, it is important to continue training our workforce to keep employees and companies competitive."

"The Incumbent Worker Grants help companies invest in the future of their workers," Neeley said. "Over the past six years, Incumbent Worker Training grants have totaled more than $11 million to assist more than 40,000 employees."

“I commend Gov. Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley for awarding these grants in Rutherford County,” State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) said.

“The Incumbent Worker Grants are a good tool to keep employers and workers up to date on the latest skills training,” State Rep. Kent Coleman (D-Murfreesboro) said.

The Nashville Career Advancement Center played a key role in awarding these grants to Ingram Content Companies and Smyrna Air Center Inc.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Incumbent Worker Training program. The program has been structured to be flexible to meet the business's training objectives. The business may use public, private, or its own in-house training provider based on the nature of the training.

The following criteria must be met to qualify for the Incumbent Worker Training Program. Employers must be in operation in Tennessee for at least one year prior to application date. Employers must have at least five full-time employees, demonstrate financial viability and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to businesses whose grant proposals represent a significant layoff avoidance strategy and represent a significant upgrade of skills.