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ETA News Release: [05/02/2006]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 06-761-NAT

Secretary of Labor Announces Nearly $2.5 Million Grant to Train Workers in the Maritime Industry

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a grant of $2,499,618 to train workers for maritime occupations within the transportation industry. The grant to the education and training affiliate of the Seafarers International Union is part of almost $6.3 million invested to date in the transportation sector through the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic plan to prepare workers for jobs in vital industries.

"There are many career opportunities in the maritime industry for workers with the right skills," said Secretary Chao. "This $2.5 million grant under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative will help thousands of new and incumbent workers to acquire or upgrade their skill-sets and knowledge base to access and retain good paying jobs on board merchant vessels."

The Paul Hall Institute of Human Development, which is affiliated with the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, will take on this nationwide project to develop curriculum and learning tools for a variety of seafaring occupations, including the various logistical skill sets required of military sealift command storekeepers, as well as those needed in shipboard security and sanitation. Also an Apprenticeship Certificate of Training Program for cruise ship hospitality will be created. Some 4,000 new workers will be trained for positions as entry-level mariners, and 1,000 incumbent workers will receive training to upgrade their skills.

Industry partners in this project include Alaska Tanker Company, American Steamship, Crowley Liner, Horizon Line, Liberty Maritime, NCL America, OSG Ship Management, and Pacific Gulf Marine. Additional partners include workforce investment boards, One-Stop Career Centers, Job Corps Centers, faith-based and community organizations, community colleges and high schools.

"As the seafaring sector evolves, maritime occupations demand workers with greater skills," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "This nearly $2.5 million grant under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative will train thousands of workers across the country for successful careers in the water transportation sector."

The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative is a strategic effort to better prepare workers to take advantage of new job opportunities in high growth sectors of the American economy. Through executive forums with leaders of expanding industries, critical workforce gaps and issues are identified. Solutions are then created in cooperation with employers, educational institutions and the public workforce system. For more information, please visit www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/.