The Department of Labor recently announced its plans to provide roughly 150 workers with a total grant of $656,098 for employment-related assistance. The window and door Manufacturer Andersen laid off workers from two of its Minnesota locations - Bayport and Cottage Grove - in November and December 2011.

The funds will go to support job training and education through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for those dislocated by the layoffs. Some of the services will be provided in collaboration with Trade Adjustment Assistance Benefits.

"Even as our economic recovery picks up steam, workers in the hardest hit industries like residential construction face significant headwinds," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "These funds will help them obtain the training and support services they need to compete for good jobs."

The Department of Labor provides National Emergency Grants to workers and communities that have been hard hit by significant job losses and other sudden economic roadblocks. The grants usually try to provide state and local workforces with the funding and programs they will need to quickly re-enter the workforce.

States that meet certain deadlines can qualify for the discretionary funds on the Department of Labor's website