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ETA News Release: [04/08/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0391-SAN

U.S. Department of Labor awards more than $238,000 to California to develop strategies in northern San Joaquin Valley

Project will focus on building biotechnology sector

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor announced a $238,434 Regional Innovation Grant to the state of California to assist in the development of strategies to train workers for careers in the northern San Joaquin Valley region.

"This region is focused on preparing workers for careers in the growing biotechnology sector," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell. "The grant will support the development of strategies to ensure that workers will be able to access the training necessary to compete for these jobs."

The grant, awarded to Stanislaus County Alliance Worknet, will help the region's efforts to build a biotechnology cluster. The Stanislaus County Economic Development and Workforce Alliance will lead a regional collaboration that includes the Valley Bio and Science Coalition and the San Joaquin Biotechnology Center.

Since 2003, the northern San Joaquin Valley region has experienced multiple layoffs in the food processing industry. The region includes Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced counties. This project will target those laid off workers for training, and utilize some of the laboratories already working with educational institutions, to establish programs that address the skill needs of the biotechnology industry.

Regional Innovation Grants are drawn from National Emergency Grant funds to assist state workforce agencies and local workforce investment boards, as well as their key partners, in the design and development of comprehensive and strategic regional plans focused on talent development that is aligned with the demands of the 21st century economy. National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.