FOR TRAINING TO UPGRADE 247 WORKER SKILLS

TRENTON, December 9, 2002 - Commissioner Albert G. Kroll of the New Jersey Department of Labor announced that Oasis Food Company, of Hillside, has been awarded a $120,540 Customized Training grant to upgrade the skills of 247 of the company's workforce.  Oasis Foods is investing $253,540 in matching funds to provide the training.

"The Department of Labor's Customized Training Grant Program enables companies such as Oasis Foods to compete in today's global economy," said Governor James E. McGreevey.  "The funds support investment in training for new methods to increase employees - marketability and earning power, and improve productivity."

New Jersey Labor Commissioner Albert G. Kroll said today, "The future productivity of New Jersey businesses and their ability to compete in this global economy rests on the skills of the workers.  This is the kind of investment that will help keep Oasis Foods competitive in this modern economy."

Anthony Alves, Oasis Foods Executive Vice-president said, "We are very pleased to have this kind of partnership with the State of New Jersey in training our valued employees.  Training provided in manufacturing strategies, leadership skills and food microbiology will keep Oasis Foods among the leaders in its field.  We hope this training will allow us to grow our business and hire more employees." 

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 to increase marketability.  The grants, awarded through the New Jersey Department of Labor, are funded through the Workforce Development Partnership Program.

Since the McGreevey Administration took office, the New Jersey Department of Labor has provided more than $15 million in Customized Training Grants to 95 companies who invested over $23 million of their own resources.  These grants have helped improve the skills of nearly 22,000 workers in New Jersey.

Albert G. Kroll also stated, We look forward to working with other New Jersey companies who want to educate their employees in the latest technologies and process improvements.  They can learn more about our Customized Training Program by calling 609-292-2239. Another great source of what's happening in the New Jersey Department of Labor is our website, www.nj.gov/labor. 

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