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ETA News Release: [06/07/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 05-1012-DAL

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Awards $846,325 for Wichita Falls Health Care Project

Grants Totaling $12 Million Will Fund 12 Health Care and Biotechnology Training Projects Nationwide

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a grant of $846,325 to the United Regional Health Care System. The grantee is one of 12 winners selected from nearly 230 applicants competing for funding under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative. More than $12 million is being awarded nationwide to address opportunities to build a world-class health care and biotechnology workforce.

“Health care and biotechnology are two of the fastest growing fields,” Secretary of Labor Chao said. “This $846,325 grant to the United Regional Health Care System, like the other 11 projects funded through this competition, will help workers prepare for careers in professions that are in high demand.”

With the grant, United Regional will generate a pipeline of new workers for the healthcare industry through targeted recruiting of veterans, dislocated workers, minorities and non-traditional workers. Additionally, United Regional will provide entry-level training for new hospital workers and specialty skills training for incumbent workers through the Career Mobility Initiative, a model that supports healthcare workers' careers.

As a result of this project, 30 individuals from untapped labor pools will be hired; 48 students will enter the CMI; 35 new and 85 incumbent workers will enroll in workforce education programs; 67 trainees will receive degrees or certificates and pay increases; 11 nurses and nursing faculty will enroll in advance nurse educator training and 150 incumbent workers will participate in End-of-Life Nursing Education workshops.

“Regional partnerships among employers, educators, and the workforce investment system will be the key to meeting businesses' demand for workers with the skills to succeed in the competitive, global economy,” Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training, said.

Of the 12 grants awarded as a result of a Sept. 17, 2004, Department of Labor Solicitation for Grant Applications, four will fund biotechnology industry training, six will fund health care industry training and two will provide cross-industry training. Funds will advance projects in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

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 competitively 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/.

NOTE: Complete list of grantees