27 Apr 2010

Temporary recovery workers in American Samoa begin transition to workforce

10:32 am on 27 April 2010

Temporary disaster recovery workers in American Samoa have begun a transition to workforce development.

The workers have been hired under the National Emergency Grant program, funded by the US Department of Labour.

Following September's earthquake and tsunami the Department of Labour awarded a 24.85 million US dollar grant, with 8.28 million dollars released initially to employ temporary workers for clean up and recovery efforts.

Last week the Department released the balance of the grant, which is more than 16 million US dollars, which will be used to fulfill the second component of the National Emergency Grant program, that includes the expansion of existing employment and training services.

It will also be used for developing re-employment and training solutions, including job search assistance and training, career counseling and apprenticeship opportunities.