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ETA News Release: [04/18/2003]
Contact Name: Kathleen
Harrington
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces New Job
Corps Site in Pinellas County, Florida
WASHINGTON—Secretary of
Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a new Job Corps Center site in the
Tampa/St. Petersburg area to train area youth. The center was awarded to
Pinellas County as a result of the leadership of Congressman Bill Young and the
strong commitment of the Tampa/St. Petersburg community.
“I want to thank Chairman Young for his tireless efforts on behalf
of Tampa/St. Pete area youth. His commitment, along with the strong support of
Governor Bush and the Tampa/St. Pete community, will make a positive difference
in the lives of young people as they enter the workforce,” said Chao.
“The President and I are committed to increasing opportunities for
Florida’s youth and setting them on a path to success.”
Upon completion, the new Job Corps site will house approximately 550
students a year. The center will provide academic and vocational training, as
well as a high school and General Equivalency Diploma program. Occupational
training programs will be offered in a variety of industries, including
computer technology, health care, manufacturing and various construction
trades, such as carpentry, painting, welding and bricklaying.
The site was selected on the strength of the proposal, including strong
community support and excellent links with state and local agencies, community
colleges, the local school districts and civic groups.
“Job Corps is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive
residential, education and job training program for disadvantaged youth,”
said Assistant Secretary Emily Stover DeRocco, head of employment and training
for the Labor Department. “These centers not only benefit young people in
need of help, but the community as well. At completion of the program,
graduates have skills to qualify for the jobs that local businesses need to
fill.”
Since its inception in 1964, Job Corps has provided more than two
million disadvantaged young people ages 16 through 24 with the skills needed to
gain independence and get quality, long-term jobs or further their education.
Job Corps, administered by the Labor Department’s Employment and Training
Administration’s Office of Youth Services, continues to serve nearly
70,000 students a year at 118 centers throughout the country.
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