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ETA News Release: [06/07/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 05-1009-CHI

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Awards $1.7 Million Grant to CVS Regional Learning Center in Detroit

Grants Totaling $12 Million Will Fund 12 Health Care and Biotechnology Training Projects Nationwide

DETROIT — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a grant of $1,757,981 to the CVS Regional Learning Center in Detroit, Mich. The grantee is one of 12 winners selected from nearly 230 applicants competing for funding under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative. More than $12 million is being awarded nationwide to address opportunities to build a world-class health care and biotechnology workforce.

“Health care and biotechnology are two of the fastest growing fields,” Secretary of Labor Chao said. “This $1.7 million grant to the CVS Regional Learning Center, like the other 11 projects funded through this competition, will help workers prepare for careers in professions that are in high demand.”

Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow through 2012 due in part to the pharmaceutical needs of a large and aging population. The grantee will address shortages in the pharmaceutical field through its CVS Pharmacy's Apprenticeship and Incumbent Worker Advancement Initiative using recruitment and outreach in high unemployment areas in Detroit. Apprenticeship opportunities for pharmacy technician positions will also be developed. Moreover, apprentices and incumbent workers will have the opportunity to advance through two- and four-year academic programs.

“Regional partnerships among employers, educators and the workforce investment system will be the key to meeting businesses' demand for workers with the skills to succeed in the competitive, global economy,” Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training, said.

Of the 12 grants awarded as a result of a Sept. 17, 2004, Department of Labor Solicitation for Grant Applications, four will fund projects for biotechnology industry training, six will fund health care industry training and two projects will provide cross-industry training. Funds will advance projects in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

Through the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative, the Department of Labor has been conducting executive forums with leaders of expanding industries to identify critical workforce gaps and issues. Solutions are competitively chosen and are carried out in cooperation with employers, educational institutions and the public workforce system. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/.

NOTE: Complete list of grantees