CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced the State of New Hampshire has applied for a $1.8 million federal grant, which will provide 150 displaced workers with an accelerated apprenticeship program and guaranteed jobs in two New Hampshire-based advanced manufacturing companies.

“Companies across New Hampshire all tell me the same thing - they have the jobs available but they need the skilled workers to fill those jobs. The goal of this grant is to get displaced workers the skills they need to get good jobs at two of New Hampshire’s advanced manufacturing leaders,” Gov. Lynch said. “I want to thank the Workforce Opportunity Council and its partners for putting this grant proposal together, which will benefit the workers and their families and the New Hampshire economy.”

The proposal offers workers an accelerated, two-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship while being employed Hypertherm, Inc., of Hanover, or Timken, Inc. of Lebanon. At the same time, these workers will earn college credits from River Valley Community College, which can be applied towards an associate’s degree. The workers will also have the opportunity to receive three additional nationally recognized industry certifications.

The Workforce Opportunity Council, in partnership with Hypertherm, Timken, River Valley Community College of Claremont and VT HITECH, Inc., of Williston, Vt., developed and submitted the grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Labor.