WOODBURY, April 23, 2008 –Commissioner David J. Socolow of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development awarded one of Gloucester County’s largest employers a customized training grant today to provide its workers the skills needed to succeed in the new economy.

Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury will use the $394,600 grant to train over 1,900 hospital workers, including 50 new hires, in training courses that include PC skills, medical office management, customer service, operation management, and occupational safety technology. The hospital will match the grant with $577,526 of its fund resources.

“One of the best things that we can do for our economy is to make sure our workers and businesses have the skills they need to compete,” said Commissioner Socolow. “These customized training grants allow New Jersey employers to invest in their own workers and these investments in our workforce will, in turn, bolster New Jersey’s position as a leader in the modern economy.”

Joining Commissioner Socolow for the ceremonial check presentation were: Underwood Memorial Hospital officials, the interim president of Gloucester County College, local elected officials, and a representative from Southern New Jersey Building Trades Council.

Eileen Cardile, Underwood Memorial President and CEO, said, “Improving the skills of our workers will enhance our capacity to provide high level quality services that meet the needs of a growing community.”

Underwood Memorial, an acute-care, non-profit hospital, serves Gloucester County and parts of Salem and Camden counties. Underwood’s staff of nearly 1,900 full- and part-time employees provides a comprehensive array of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services.

Gloucester County College will provide the training for Underwood Memorial’s staff including medical and health services managers, nurses, pharmacists, office clerks, food preparers, and laboratory technicians.

Dr. Russell A. Davis, Gloucester County College interim president, said, “We are pleased to partner with Underwood-Memorial Hospital and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Our Business and Industry Training Center, also known as the BIT Center, is designed to help employees acquire the skills and the knowledge necessary to succeed in the workplace. Since 1990, the BIT Center has provided customized training and professional development to more than 13,000 employees in the South Jersey region.

Customized training grants are matching grants awarded to New Jersey businesses to provide training to the company’s workforce in skills specifically needed to increase productivity and marketability.  The grants, awarded through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, are funded through the Workforce Development Partnership Program.

For more information about competitive customized training grants or literacy grants call (609) 633-6799 or go to the Internet at http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/employer/training/incentives_training_index.html.

Click to view photos of the event

--30--