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ETA News Release: [06/28/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 05-1141-BOS
U.S. Secretary of Labor Announces Nearly $3 Million
To
Train Maine Workers in Advanced Manufacturing Skills
WASHINGTON-U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a
$2,996,724 grant to the Maine Department of Economic Development. Funded under
the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative, the grant is part of an
ongoing effort to train workers for careers in advanced manufacturing.
"Manufacturing is evolving, and the advanced manufacturing sector needs
higher-skilled workers," said Chao. "This $2.9 million grant will help workers
gain the skills they need to build a career in advanced manufacturing. It will
also be a boost to small and medium-sized manufacturers in the region by
connecting them with workers who possess the relevant skill-sets."
Through the grant, the Maine Department of Economic Development will
partner in all six New England states with Manufacturing Extension
Partnerships, a nationwide network of not-for-profit centers providing small
and medium-sized manufacturers with the tools they need to succeed. A virtual
Center for Supply Chain Integration will be created with hubs in each state to
simplify and accelerate training for workers who use Computer-Numerically
Controlled (CNC) machines. Reducing the time required to train a CNC operator
and simplifying the CNC-related engineering expertise needed to submit
competitive bids, will improve small machine shops' chances of winning
contracts.
The project will train over 300 entry-level and 750 incumbent workers.
Curriculum and outreach materials will be distributed to One-Stop Career
Centers and community colleges to increase awareness of the challenges facing
small and medium-sized manufacturing employers in recruiting skilled workers.
CNC operator training curriculum will also be tested in four to six community
colleges throughout New England.
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 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/.
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