VOORHEES, NJ – Congressman Rob Andrews (D-Haddon Heights) today announced that the employees of Alliance Data Systems who have been laid off because of the closure of the company's Voorhees facility, will get help in finding new employment thanks to a $364,706 grant from the Department of Labor.  This funding will enable more than 200 workers to receive the necessary training so that they can re-enter the workforce and continue supporting their families.

"While it is always upsetting to see an established company such as Alliance Data Systems close its doors and lay off its employees, I am hopeful that this grant will help thesee hard-working South Jerseyans make the transition to their next jobs," said Andrews.  "I thank the Department of Labor for their assistance in this matter and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future."

Occupations for retraining will include AC/Refrigeration and Heating, automotive body and paint technicians, business administration, certified home health aides, certified nursing assistance, computer programming, diesel truck technicians, electronic digital technicians, network technology and web design professionals.

The dislocated worker program is funded under the Job Training Partnership Act for workers who lose their jobs because of large-scale layoffs, technological change, foreign competition or government action.  Generally, workers are eligible if they are unlikely to return to their previous industry or occupation.