Retraining funds to help laid-off Odwalla workers

The California Employment Development Department has awarded Tulare County a $950,000 grant to retrain 474 laid-off employees, including 164 people who lost their jobs in April with Odwalla Inc.

Odwalla closed its juice-making plant in Dinuba.

The money will assist the employees in getting new jobs through retraining, skills development and job placement.

The Tulare Workforce Development Board will use the funds to collaborate with local businesses, training providers, community colleges, the Tulare County Office of Education and regional locations of the America’s Job Center of California, the EDD said.

The board will identify jobs in the region’s top industries and prepare job seekers by providing on-the-job and vocational training. Business growth in the area includes advanced manufacturing, health care, renewable energy, logistics and transportation, and agribusiness.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Retraining funds to help laid-off Odwalla workers."