labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao recently said, “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.”

 

Secretary Chao was talking about a number of US Department of Labor job-training grants, including two that go to Washington. Community colleges in Bellevue and Bellingham recently received more than $3.6 million to train workers under a competitive federal program.

 

Bellevue Community College received a $1,815,198 grant from the US Department of Labor to train employees for the fast-growing healthcare industry. The school offers programs from Accounting to Zoology.

 

Bellingham Technical College received $1,850,000 in federal funds to turn out highly skilled workers for the advanced manufacturing industry. The school offers a number of manufacturing programs, including a special program to recruit young women for jobs in the field.

 

Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, Brent R. Orrell said, “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.”

 

These grants are available due to the President’s Community Based Job Training Grants Initiative, which awards money to community colleges and training facilities in areas where industries need skilled workers. The program was established in 2005 and awarded 72 grants. The second round of awards in 2006 gave out 70 grants.

 

Due to advances in technology and innovation, to globalization and to a workforce that is aging, many industries are in dire need of skilled workers. Nationwide, these industries include biotechnology, logistics and advanced manufacturing. Industries such as the hospitality industry in Crescent City, California and the movie industry in Culver City, California are also in need of specially trained employees.

 

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