The Tyson Foods plant in Lexington after the closure, (Brian Neben, Courtesy)
LEXINGTON — The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) and partner agencies are expanding services for workers laid off due to the Tyson plant closure in Lexington.
The Department of Labor has received a federal Dislocated Worker Grant totaling $1.67 million. Services funded include individualized career services, job search assistance, and targeted placement support to help dislocated workers quickly reconnect to the labor market. On‑the‑job training (OJT) and customized training will help employers bring on new workers with job‑specific skills.
“The individuals impacted by the Tyson layoff are a skilled workforce,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Connecting them to the right training opportunities will benefit Nebraska employers throughout the area.”
“Workers across Nebraska deserve fast, effective pathways back into quality employment,” said Katie Thurber, Commissioner of Labor. “This grant allows us to expand training options, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that every participant has the support needed to succeed.”
Services for Dislocated Workers
- Assessments for basic skills and English language needs
- Coordination with Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learner (ELL) programs
- Enrollment with Central Community College, Mid‑Plains Community College, and regional truck‑driving schools
Initial training focus areas:
- CNA (Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs has approximately 100 CNA openings statewide.)
- Medication Aide
- Medical Coding
- CDL
- Construction
Access to more than 178 eligible training programs in the region
Services are administered through the Lexington Job center located at 1501 Plum Creek Parkway.
March 26 Multilingual Job Fair and Workshops— Dawson County Fairgrounds
In addition to individualized services, NDOL will host a hiring event and job fair, as well as multilingual resume‑writing workshops, at the Dawson County Fairgrounds in Lexington on Thursday, March 26. These events are designed to connect displaced workers in the Lexington area with employers actively hiring and provide practical tools for navigating the job search process.
- 9-10 a.m. — Resume Writing Workshop (Spanish/English)
- 10–11 a.m. — Resume Writing Workshop (Somali/English)
- 12–3 p.m. — Hiring Event (Job Fair)
Interpreters providing in-person services include former Tyson workers such as Rashid Kassim, now employed by NDOL. “I helped many Somali community people write resumes and fill out online job applications. I am happy to provide the same support at the job fair,” Kassim said.
Added Commissioner Thurber: “Being able to provide employment to a Tyson worker who is now paying it forward to help his former coworkers brings things full circle and helps connect Tyson workers to NDOL services and employment opportunities in Nebraska.”
Transportation To New Employment
Bus transportation is now being provided to former Tyson workers who have become reemployed in North Platte. Interested employees may contact their employer for details and to sign up, or the Nebraska Department of Labor at ndol.employerservices@nebraska.gov.
Transportation is being operated by Price’s Rentals. “We saw all these hard-working people that needed transportation and knew that if we stepped up, it would make a real difference in people’s lives and have positive ripple effects throughout our community,” said Drew Price, owner.
“Transportation is crucial for these workers to access solid employment opportunities,” said Governor Pillen. “This is another example of the community and state agencies stepping up to support each other in a time of need,”
“I appreciate Governor Pillen’s support in finding a way to assist residents of Dawson County to have a reasonable transportation option so they can continue providing critical work in our nation’s food supply,” said David W. Briggs, Chief Executive Officer at Sustainable Beef. “The Nebraska Department of Labor and Department of Transportation worked diligently to bring this idea to fruition.”
Multiple resources remain available to assist the Lexington community.
