CONCORD — Ten New Hampshire companies will be able to train 352 workers in new skills thanks to $149,911 in training grants approved through the state's job training program in September.

The 10 companies contributed $151,696 in matching funds, bringing the total training fund programs to $301,607 for the month.

The training fund, administered through the Department of Resources and Economic Development, draws on the state's Unemployment Trust Fund to pay 50 percent of the training costs for employers that complete a successful application.

Pennichuck Water Works of Merrimack received a grant of $9,525 to train up to 104 employees in various customer service programs, management and first aid.

N.H. Rapid Machining of Nashua received a grant of up to $60,525 for a computer training project, involving 25 employees.

Chi Engineering Services of Portsmouth will use its $13,107 grant to train up to 23 workers in various computer aided design (CAD) programs, automation and management.

N.H. Ball Bearings of Peterborough will use a $60,846 grant to train 183 employees in Web-based manufacturing, leadership, computer skills and machine maintenance.

Other grants included Interstate Manufacturing Associates of Newport ($4,250) and APC Paper Company of Claremont ($1,647)

The Job Training Fund has awarded $5.2 million in grants since 2007, with employers contributing $7.7 million to reach 14,589 New Hampshire workers.

Interest in the program has been increasing as the economy has improved. In 2009, the program awarded only 36 grants, but is on track to award at least twice as many by the end of this year.

Dave Solomon may be reached at dsolomon@unionleader.com.