Grant funding will improve access to ag jobs

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor announced $90 million in grant funding to support workforce training for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents.

The funds aim to prepare them to obtain, retain and advance in agricultural jobs or start new careers.

Who

The Employment and Training Administration will award 50 to 75 National Farmworker Jobs Program grants to organizations that will provide career services.

What

Those services include career assessment and planning; supportive services; and work-based learning, which may include pre-apprenticeships or registered apprenticeships in the agriculture industry or other sectors.

Successful applicants will deliver worker-centered, sector-based training that responds to workers’ needs while incorporating strong partnerships with employers.

Why

The funding will increase the capacity for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents to acquire the skills they need to stabilize or advance in agriculture jobs, or to obtain jobs in new industries.

The department will announce a separate funding opportunity for housing grants.

How

The program encourages new applicants with experience delivering employment and training services to propose innovative program models.

Learn more about the National Farmworker Jobs Program grants for career services and training and apply at www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/agriculture.