Lexington workers receive job training support after Tyson plant closure

LEXINGTON, Neb. (KSNB) — The Nebraska Department of Labor is working to support displaced workers with a $1.67 million grant five months after Tyson Foods shut its doors, leaving around 3,200 workers without jobs.

Bryan Juarez said the Tyson shutdown had an impact on the community of Lexington. He said it has been hard on his family, who are former employees of the packing plant.

“It really affects the way we live,” Juarez said. “They had to move out of their house and they had very limited food supply.”

Juarez said his family members now commute to North Platte for work.

“They have to drive back and forth,” he said. “They hardly have time to spend time with their families.”

Many of those who lost their jobs came out to a Coffee and Conversation event Tuesday in hopes of finding relief. The event is supported by the $1.67 million federal grant.

Amy Hill of Central Community College said the program is about giving workers a new beginning.

“The Department of Labor will be partnering with Central Community College,” Hill said. “We are helping provide new training and retraining skills.”

Brent LeClair of the Department of Labor said the event provided workers with several options to choose from.

“We have things like CDL, CNA,” LeClair said. “We’ll also provide you with that career search or help you improve your resume.”

“Everybody is coming to CCC now, trying to get a career because the plant closed,” Juarez said.

Workers still remain at the plant. Leaders said the next shutdown will be in July.

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