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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: 05-2152-ATL

U.S. Department of Labor Announces $3 Million Grant to Train Kentucky 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 more than $3 million to train workers in Kentucky for mining careers in the coal industry. Similar grants totaling over $3.5 million also were awarded today in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. 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.

"Demand for Kentucky coal is creating job opportunities for Kentuckians who possess the skills the coal industry needs," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This $3 million grant under President Bush's High Growth Job Training Initiative will help Kentucky workers get training for these jobs through the Appalachian community college system and provide a boost to the regional economy as well."

The grant, awarded to the Pennyrile Area Development District, will equip the community and technical college system with expedited training so students can use mining simulators and take advantage of distance learning and mobile classrooms. In addition, outreach to students will raise awareness of the high-paying careers that can be pursued in coal mining.

"The Appalachian community college system has the capacity to provide advanced training to individuals in the coal industry," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "By working with local employers, this training will target specific industry needs and provide student workers with applicable skills that will lead to successful careers."

In addition to Kentucky's grant, approximately $3 million will go to West Virginia to train workers and establish the Mine Training and Placement Center at West Virginia University. Training will include traditional classroom instruction and incorporate practical experience in equipment operation through the use of simulators.

Pennsylvania will receive about $500,000 to develop an Associate of Engineering Technology Degree in mining technology to meet local employment needs. The program, being established by Penn State University, will enable workers to learn valuable safety skills before entering a mining work environment.

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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