Andover Firm Creates Jobs Through Workforce Funds

Governor Deval Patrick recently announced that Minuteman Road company WSI, a weather information services firm, received a grant for over $150,000 from a fund meant to train the state’s workforce and create jobs.

WSI, which provides weather forecasting tools and weather-related information for The Weather Channel, is one of 138 companies throughout the state to receive a Workforce Training Fund grant.

The Workforce Training Fund was created in 2007 to provide money to private firms for the creation of jobs. It also provides money for employee training in the areas of customer service, sales, machining, milling, robotics, project management, injection molding and computer technology.

The state announced recently that WSI will be receiving $152,275. VP of Human Resources at WSI John Caffrey said the money will go toward business growth.

“We anticipate that the funds will enable us to create 7-15 new positions and train those new employees on providing enhanced customer value,” said Caffrey.  “This is a great opportunity to enhance and develop the kind of employee strengths that support our business growth.  We anticipate that growth to be one of the results of their training.”

Governor Deval Patrick said this is a stepping stone to creating a stronger economy.

"To compete in the global economy, we must continuously invest in our workforce and I am proud to give thousands of our workers the chance to improve their skill sets," said Governor Deval Patrick. "Because of innovative programs like the Workforce Training Fund, Massachusetts continues to lead the nation out of the global economic recession.”