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ETA News Release: [08/03/2005]
Contact Name: Stephanie Cathcart or David James
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3239
Release Number: 05-1467-DAL

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Addresses Need for Skilled Workers in Homeland Security at FOP Conference in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today addressed the need for skilled workers in homeland security during an appearance at the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) 57th Biennial National Conference in New Orleans. The Secretary also announced that a $10 million Department of Labor (DOL) grant competition under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative will occur later this fall to train workers for careers in homeland and cyber security.

“Homeland security is at the top of the President's agenda and citizens' concerns,” said Secretary Chao. “To make America safer, President Bush has stressed the need for well-trained first responders and we are now including homeland security in the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative to prepare more workers for these careers.”

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

In addition to addressing the needs of the homeland security industry, Secretary Chao stressed the department's commitment to the Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program. Through a $3 million grant to the National FOP Foundation, spouses of fallen law enforcement officers have been able to provide for their families and carry on with their lives. The grant pays for education and job training, such as community college certification courses, four-year university degree programs, and customized on-the-job training.