The city will use a $1.4 million federal grant to help laid-off Aloha and ATA airline workers plan and train for new careers, Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced yesterday.

"This is an ideal opportunity for these workers to learn new skills for career advancement and be competitive in the labor market," Hannemann said. "These services are provided at no cost to qualified participants. Federal funds are limited, and people should take advantage of the opportunity while these resources are available."

Since the layoffs were announced in April, the city has helped, find employment for these workers by providing training and sponsoring job fairs. More than 40 have also been hired directly by the city.

The Department of Community Services' WorkHawaii Division, the lead agency for Oahu WorkLinks, received the $1.4 million national emergency grant to provide career planning, counseling, re-training, re-employment and support services to laid-off airline workers.

The workers qualify for full tuition assistance at public and private schools to pursue careers in high-demand occupations. For those not currently working, there is no income eligibility. Those who are working qualify if they are receiving less than 90 percent of their former airline wages or their income is below the self-sufficiency threshold of $38,590 per year. The exception is pilot training, as the release of funds for training is still pending.

About 190 workers have already enrolled with Oahu WorkLinks under another grant to upgrade their skills in a variety of fields such as computer applications, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, paralegal, Web design, digital media, culinary arts, food service, office administration and cosmetology, or to work toward commercial driver's licenses and maritime licenses. About 40 training providers including universities, community colleges and private schools offer full-time and part-time courses and programs islandwide.

Interested former airline employees should call Dillingham Oahu WorkLinks at 843-0733 or Wai'anae Oahu WorkLinks at 696-7067 for more information or to sign up for briefings.