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US DOL Announces $3.6 Million New York Training Grants

April 24th, 2008 Posted by Amelia

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced two grants to train workers in the New York community college systems.

Morrisville State College will receive a grant of $1,999,639 to implement a training program for workers in the energy industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors in this century.

The second grant, in the amount of $1,544,233 goes to Suffolk County Community College to train highly skilled workers for the manufacturing industry.

Suffolk County Community College is located in Selden, New York.

Community Based Job Training Grants focus on employers in need of skilled workers. The programs are built on the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, a model for demand-driven development of workers.

The main goal of the Grants is to boost the capability of community colleges to provide training in the local high-growth, high-demand industries. To accomplish this mission, the community colleges collaborate with the local industry to develop training programs. In addition, the grants allow these colleges to hire faculty, provide on-the-job training experiences, such as internships, and to purchase new equipment to aid in the training.

The U. S. Department of Labor has formed partnerships with business and industry, and believes these collaborations help boost regional economies. By businesses and colleges working together, Americans are able to go to work and ensure the stability of the economy.

The grants provide training for new workers and for experienced workers as well. As a result, existing employees can advance, thereby staying with the company longer, and new employees can find jobs with career advancement. The companies get skilled workers, and increase the retention of its workers.

The High Growth Job Training Initiative targets several high-growth industries where jobs far exceed qualified applicants. At first, the program identified 14 areas that are slated to grow, or add new industries all together. Some of these changes have been and will be brought about by innovations in technology and methods. A few examples of industries seeking workers with new skills include Health Care, Information Technology, Energy and Construction.

Due to changes from technology and innovation, an aging workforce and globalization, several industries are in dire need of skilled workers. Nationwide, industries such as healthcare, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing are but a few of these industries. Regional industries, too, such as the movie industry in California, also seeks skilled workers.

For employers, adopting the Workforce Investment System into the Human Resources department can cut recruiting costs. Within the program are incentives for employers, too. Tax credits and government training assistance can assist these industries in updating the workplace for the 21st century.

In 2008, according to a recent announcement by the U. S. Department of Labor, 69 community colleges across America were granted $125 million under this program.

These funds will assist workers in 36 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

The Grants are given to community colleges in areas where these industries are seeking help. The programs provide workers of all ages with training for positions in these high-paying jobs with good career advancement. For example, a manufacturing plant in Arizona needs skilled employees. The local community college could be awarded a grant to help fulfill that need.

Secretary Elaine L. Chao made the following statement, “Community colleges are in a unique position to prepare local workers for careers in high-growth industries. The $125 million awarded today will expand enrollment in education and training programs and provide more workers with the skills they need to succeed.”