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ETA News Release: [11/30/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 05-2160-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor Launches Pathways to Construction Employment Initiative in Louisiana and Mississippi

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration today launched the Pathways to Construction Employment Initiative to support economic revitalization in Louisiana and Mississippi in the aftermath of recent hurricanes. A partnership between each state's workforce agency and community college system will use their respective $5 million grants to establish and operate two construction career pathways.

“As the Gulf region recovers from the devastation of the hurricanes, there will be a period of tremendous rebuilding and construction activity requiring skilled construction workers. This $10 million grant will help train residents of this region with the skills to access the new construction jobs that are being created,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The grants will help workers enter the construction industry through either of two paths—registered apprenticeships or courses in skills ranging from maintenance to electrical or plumbing. The initiative will cover the residential, commercial, industrial, heavy highway, as well as the shipbuilding and heavy marine construction sectors. Community colleges and their partners in the public workforce and One-Stop Career Center systems will help match workers who have completed initial training with jobs area construction employers need to fill.

Louisiana and Mississippi will first establish Reconstruction Centers of Excellence in community colleges to support workforce development in construction trades, such as blueprint reading, safety training, and classes offering training in other occupation-specific skills. The states' workforce systems and community colleges will conduct assessments and refer workers to appropriate education and training enhancements necessary for construction employment.

“The Pathways to Construction Employment Initiative brings together key state and regional leaders to map out pathways that allow workers rebuilding the Gulf Coast to sustain and advance their careers in construction,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “Moreover, this construction initiative extends beyond doing the necessary work of rebuilding homes to restoring the region's diverse economic infrastructure.”

For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.