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ETA News Release: [12/19/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or 202-693-3984
Release Number: 05-2345-PHI

U.S. Department of Labor Announces $500,000 Grant to Train Pennsylvania Workers for Energy Industry Careers

Grant Is Part of $6.5 Million for Energy-Related Training in Appalachia

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a grant of $503,210 to train workers in Pennsylvania for mining careers in the coal industry. Similar grants totaling over $6 million also were awarded today in Kentucky and West Virginia. Today's announcements are part of nearly $27 million in investments made in support of the nation's energy workforce under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic plan to prepare workers for jobs in expanding industries.

"Increased demand for energy is creating job opportunities for Pennsylvanians with the advanced skills energy producers need," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L .Chao. "This half-million dollar grant under President Bush's High Growth Job Training Initiative will enable Penn State to develop a mining technology curriculum that Pennsylvania workers can access to build good careers in the energy sector."

The grant, awarded to Pennsylvania State University, will help fund the development of an Associate of Engineering Technology Degree in mining technology to meet local employment needs. Participants will learn to operate sophisticated mining equipment through the use of simulators. The program also will enable workers to learn valuable safety skills before entering a mining work environment.

"Penn State University is a leader in the commonwealth's effort to prepare workers with 21st century skills that address the needs of employers," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "Training here and elsewhere in Appalachia will address local workforce needs identified by employers and equip the region's energy workers with the skills employers seek."

Grants being announced today in Kentucky and West Virginia will offer workers training for similar careers. In Kentucky, funding will help equip the community and technical college system with expedited training, using mining simulators, distance learning and mobile classrooms. West Virginia's funding will support the development of Mine Training and Placement Centers. Training will include traditional classroom instruction and incorporate practical experience in equipment operation through the use of simulators.

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. For more information, please visit www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/.

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