Things are looking up for unemployed workers in New Hampshire.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced Tuesday that New Hampshire has won a $675,314 competitive On-the-Job Training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

After earning an initial $972,474 award from the Department of Labor on June 25, New Hampshire received the supplemental grant based on the success it achieved implementing the first award.

The supplemental award, to be administered by the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, will support OJT programs that help unemployed workers learn new skills to find and retain employment.

Shaheen, a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recently introduced legislation with U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., designed to expand OJT programs across the U.S.

“On-the-Job Training programs are a proven way to put people back to work,” Shaheen said in a statement. “By teaching unemployed workers new skills, these programs not only help people find new jobs, but they help companies in emerging industries find qualified employees.

Under the current system, On-the-Job Training programs are highly underutilized … I will continue to work for passage of my legislation so that more states are encouraged to implement these programs.”

The $675,314 OJT grant brings New Hampshire’s total to $1,647,788.

New Hampshire was one of four states to receive the supplemental grant announced Tuesday.

George Bald, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, said the previous OJT grant New Hampshire earned already produced more than 60 new On-the-Job Training opportunities for long-term unemployed workers throughout the state.

Bald expects the new grant to produce 50 more job opportunities in New Hampshire, Shaheen’s press office said.

Maryalice Gill can be reached at 594-6490 or mgill@nashuatelegraph.com.

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