RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) _ The N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions in the state Department of Commerce has received a federal grant to expand its programs to train workers who lost a job in high-demand industries.

The state will receive the $6.1 million grant over two years through the federal Job Driven National Emergency Grant program to augment on-the-job and classroom training programs in targeted regions for dislocated workers, helping them prepare for in-demand industries.

People benefiting from the grant are those who have been unemployed for the long term, more than 27 weeks, with a special priority given to veterans.

The division will work in collaboration with the Workforce Development Boards and N.C. Community Colleges in the targeted areas to offer the expanded programs.