Positronic, 3M nab state training funds

Gov. Matt Blunt announced Feb. 22 the release of more than $150,000 in training grants statewide from the department’s Division of Workforce Development. To date, about $6.5 million in state training assistance has been released since July through the Missouri Customized Training Program.

At Springfield-based Positronic Industries, 423 N. Campbell, $10,000 will help pay for the company’s apprenticeship program for its newer employees.

About 50 workers are currently enrolled in the program, said Manager of Education Programs Rita Needham, and the on-site training can last from one year to four years. Most of the training focuses on operating the connector-manufacturing equipment unique to the company, she said.

“It does help us with the cost of training that is essential to us having workers that are qualified to do the jobs we need,” Needham said. “Any assistance we can get is very much appreciated.”

Springfield’s 3M office also received $7,500 for an estimated 30 trainees.

Eleven Missouri companies were awarded funding to train a total of 634 new or existing employees.

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s Feb. 24 free e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.[[In-content Ad]]