CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced that companies in Hanover and Pelham will receive the first of the state’s new Job Training grants, which are aimed at helping New Hampshire companies compete globally and at keeping jobs in New Hampshire.

Hypertherm of Hanover, and Pelham Plastics of Pelham are the first two recipients of the grants through the newly reinstated Job Training Fund, which will distribute up to $1 million in grants annually to allow companies to partner with the state to train new workers or retrain longtime employees. Gov. Lynch made reinstating the Job Training Fund a priority.

“Businesses need a skilled workforce so they can compete in this changing global economy. The Job Training Fund allows the state to partner with companies to train or retrain workers, which will allow businesses to stay and grow right here in New Hampshire,” Gov. Lynch said. “The Job Training Fund is important to both businesses and workers, and the future economic growth of our state. That is why I am pleased to announce the first two recipients of these important grants and I look forward to more companies using this important tool.”

Hypertherm, a Hanover-based company specializing in metal cutting technology, will use its $100,000 grant to train 25 new machinists in computer and machining fundamentals, and advanced manufacturing procedure and practices. The company will match the grant with $350,000. These 25 workers are part of Hypertherm’s plan to hire more than 100 machinists over the next three years.

Pelham Plastics is a rapidly growing supplier of precision plastics to medical device manufacturers. The company has been awarded a $7,482 grant, which it will match, for computer and specialized equipment training for 19 of its employees.

“The Job Training Fund is an investment in our state’s economic future that will help workers and companies compete globally and help us attract new businesses and jobs to our state,” Gov. Lynch said.

A 10-member Job Training Grant Review Committee reviews the applications and makes recommendations to state Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. The Workforce Opportunity Council administers the Job Training Fund for DRED.

“Developing the most highly trained workforce possible is a top priority for our state,” Bald said. “The Job Training Fund is an extremely useful tool in ensuring that New Hampshire workers are able to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy.”

“A Job Training Fund program has been a top priority for employers since the last program was suspended in 2003,” said Dick Anagnost, Chairman of the Workforce Opportunity Council. “In today's competitive marketplace, New Hampshire employers can compete only when they have an educated, trained and talented workforce.”

For more information about the Job Training Fund, go to www.nhjobtrainingfund.org.