HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ The state of Connecticut is creating a two-year, $7 million program to help advanced manufacturing companies in training their workforce.

Under the program, companies are required to contribute matching funds in order to qualify for grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per calendar year. Employers will be able to send their workers to a third party vendor, such as a community college or industry trade group, for skills enhancement.

The Department of Economic and Community Development will fund the worker training program through its $30 million Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund. The agency is working with the Department of Labor to administer the program.

Labor Commissioner Sharon Palmer said “gaining a competitive edge in today’s business world” requires workers to have their knowledge and expertise constantly upgraded.