Workforce Solutions East Texas received a $922,322 grant Monday to help train workers facing long-term unemployment.

The Texas Workforce Commission was granted $5 million in National Emergency Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. Eight local workforce development boards, including Tyler’s, will use the funding to provide work-based training opportunities in high-demand occupations to long-term unemployed workers.

“TWC is committed to helping Texans find jobs and get back on their feet,” Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar said in a prepared statement. “Innovative programs developed by our local workforce partners are available to help job seekers improve their skills and secure employment.”

Workforce Solutions East Texas received $922,322. Participants will receive detailed assessments of their interests and strengths. The program will provide training in basic manufacturing and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety training. Some participants will gain work experience in entry-level positions with area manufacturing employers, according to the statement.

“This funding will support programs to assist Texans facing long-term unemployment find good jobs in industries that will provide opportunities for years to come,” Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton said. “Texans are ready to work and TWC is proud to support these initiatives to help equip Texas workers with the skills they need to succeed.”

The eight workforce development boards included in the grant funding will implement or expand on-the-job training, registered apprenticeships and existing partnerships with employers in high-growth fields. The boards will place participating job seekers in bioscience, defense, nanotechnology, manufacturing and renewable energy industry jobs.

The Texas Workforce Commission will leverage all available resources, including the Workforce Investment Act programs, Unemployment Insurance, Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, public assistance and veterans’ programs to complement the new programs launched from the National Emergency Grant funding and better serve participating job seekers.

The program will focus on Unemployment Insurance recipients who are likely to exhaust their benefits. Veterans and military spouses who meet the criteria set for dislocated workers will receive preference in selection for the programs.

Texas was one of 32 states — along with Puerto Rico and the Cherokee tribal nation—awarded funding from a total of $154.8 million made available through the Workforce Investment Act Dislocated Worker National Reserve fund.

“The programs supported by this funding will ensure that the employers that fuel the Texas economy will have a competitive workforce for years to come,” Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade said.

For more, visit www.texasworkforce.org.