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US DOL $ 2 Million Arizona Training Grant for Workers in 3 Industries

May 1st, 2008 Posted by Amelia

Finding skilled workers for is every Arizona employer’s priority. The U.S. Department of Labor recently made it a top priority as well, with a $2 million grant to train workers in transportation, distribution and logistics – three industries that are growing in the state.

A national model for the development of a demand-driven workforce, the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, implements programs through partnerships with business, industry and educators. Officials at the U. S. Department of Labor strongly believe these partnerships help boost local economies, and help the country’s ability to compete in the world marketplace by providing Americans with work.

While many of the US DOL grants go to community colleges, this grant was community-based — the $2 million goes to Pima County to implement worker training programs in the Tucson area.

These grants focus on employers and provide funds to community college located near those employers in dire need of skilled workers. The funds are awarded to increase the community colleges’ capacity to train workers for these growing industries, both to fill the industry needs and to provide high-paying, career advancing jobs for America’s workers.

The Tucson agency will utilize the money to hire qualified faculty, set up training experiences like internships, and to upgrade equipment needed to aid in the training process. The colleges work closely with local industries to develop a training curriculum to meet that industry’s needs. The goal of the Grants is not only to provide skilled workers for these industries, but also to meet the needs of the employees with increased wages and increased options for advancement.

Employers receive many benefits from the programs beyond skilled workers. Companies that add the Workforce Investment System to their Human Resources department are eligible for incentives such as government training assistance and tax credits. Plus, with the local colleges training these workers, the industry has a built-in method for screening and referral of skilled applicants. The employer reduces recruiting costs as a result, and increases the quality of its workforce. These benefits allow the employer to bring the company into the 21st century, increase profits and become more competitive in the global market.

U.S Department of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao made the following comment, “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.”

Community colleges and local agencies across the nation recently received $125 million in awards under the President’s Community Based Job Training Grants Initiative.

The grants were highly competitive. Over 341 applications were filed in a competition announced in August, 2007. The awards were given to the top 69 competitors to help community colleges and training facilities provide assistance for workers seeking jobs in high-growth industries.

Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, Brent R. Orrell stated, “Preparing local residents for careers in growing hometown industries is critical to improving the quality of life of thousands of Americans. These programs will provide participants not only with the skills needed to gain employment, but the change to enter into careers that offer opportunities for advancement.”

The Community-Based Job Training Grants program was established in 2005, awarding 72 grants. In 2006, the second round of grants totaled 70. The purpose of these grants is to boost the community colleges’ role in marketing the full potential of the U. S. workforce.

Certain industries are having trouble finding trained workers. Health care, construction, biotechnology and energy are examples of a few nationwide industries seeking skilled employees. Several regional employers require skilled workers, too, such as the movie industry in Culver City, California.