ETA News Release: [Feb. 14, 2006]
Contact Name: David James Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 202-693-3984
U.S. Department of Labor Grant of More Than $800,000 Will Improve Skills of Nebraska Workers with Limited English Proficiency
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant of $801,130 to Metropolitan Community College to help prepare approximately 1,389 individuals with limited proficiency in English for careers in Nebraska’s construction, healthcare and transportation industries.
“Workers need to be able to communicate in English to advance at the workplace and in their careers,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This grant will help over one thousand residents gain the language skills they need for careers in Nebraska’s growing construction, healthcare and transportation industries.”
The grant will fund the STEP-UP (Successful Training for Employment Placement and Unlimited Potential) project to help build English literacy using community-based labs and peer mentors. The local labor pool also will be expanded as high school students are introduced to growing industries through a Career Academy program.
“The private sector and community partners involved in this project are offering genuine career possibilities for workers wanting the communications skills to take the next step,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “Individuals who participate in this project will overcome language barriers and become more competitive members of the local workforce.”
Participating employers will recruit incumbent workers for vocational English classes at their work sites. Underemployed or unemployed individuals will be recruited for the program through community organizations’ networks.
For more on the Department of Labor’s employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov
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