SPARTANBURG — The Upstate Workforce Investment Board announced Friday that three Union County businesses, as well as several others from Spartanburg and Chester counties, have been awarded Incumbent Worker Training grants.

The grants were awarded to 10 businesses, including Lockhart Power Company, Gestamp and Carlisle Finishing in Union County.

The total grant awards equal $181,400.

Each year the Upstate WIB receives funds from the U.S. Department of Labor through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce designated for training existing workers.

This year’s awards were determined by a committee of the board in June. The grant period runs from July 1 to Dec. 31. The Business Services staff of Upstate Career Source will be working with these businesses throughout the grant period.

IWT grants are awarded to train currently employed workers in an effort to keep businesses and workers competitive. IWT grants provide funding for training needed in current businesses due to expansion, new technology, retooling, new services/product lines and new organizational structuring or as part of a layoff aversion strategy.

The 10 businesses receiving IWT grants for program year 2010-11 will train employees in a variety of courses, including Six Sigma, hydraulic systems basics, audit review, clinical documentation, management, PLC, Mechatronics, loom training, production and inventory management, engine and landfill gas collection, and glass run production technologies.

The Upstate WIB and Upstate Career Source are equal opportunity employers/programs; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.