ETA News Release: [June 24, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: 202-693-3984
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Announces $2.3 Million Grant to Train South Florida Biotechnology Workers
Grant is Part Of $17.2 Million for Biotechnology Industry Solutions Under The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco today announced a $2.3 million grant to train biotechnology workers in Palm Beach County, Florida. The grant, which will be administered by the Workforce Alliance Inc. and was announced at the nonprofit's headquarters, is part of a $17.2 million national effort developed under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative to address workforce challenges facing the biotechnology industry.
"President Bush and Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao are committed to helping workers get the training they need for careers in growing fields like biotechnology," said DeRocco. "This grant will respond to employer demand for biotech workers in South Florida by preparing transitioning and presently employed workers for promising careers."
To recruit and train workers, the Workforce Alliance will facilitate partnerships among the public workforce system, employers, and educators. Florida Atlantic University's Biotech Training Program will establish an industry career ladder and develop a one-year curriculum leading to initial certification. Indian River Community College will provide classroom space and offer biotechnology classes through distance learning. Participants who excel will advance to a lab research program, another one-year commitment.
Funding will also be used to upgrade the skills of currently employed biotech workers. Post-graduate level certificates in biotechnology and bioinformatics will be offered, as well as bachelor and masters degrees in molecular biology and biotechnology. Research internships and apprenticeship opportunities will also be available.
Key partners in the effort include the Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast; Florida Atlantic University; Indian River Community College; Office of the Governor; Workforce Florida, Inc.; Agency for Workforce Innovation; Palm Beach County; Scripps Research Institute; and regional biotechnology employers.
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. More information can be found at www.doleta.gov.
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