News Release
ETA News Release: [December 31, 2003]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: 202-693-3984
Secretary of Labor Awards $1.5 Million to Northeast Michigan Consortium Workforce Investment Board
ONAWAY, Mich. - The U.S. Labor Department has awarded $1.5 million to the Northeast Michigan Consortium Workforce Investment Board to provide high technology training to 500 workers.
"This Administration is committed to helping workers get the training they need to get good paying jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This $3 million grant will be used to upgrade the skills of workers."
The grant will be used to train 375 concrete industry workers in information technology (IT) and advanced manufacturing and 125 health care industry workers in IT. Training will be provided through a combination of lecture, hands-on, web-based, interactive and distance learning methodologies with flexible schedules to accommodate employers, employees and training providers.
Project goals include wage increases, promotions and professional certifications. Partner employers and other partners are providing matching funds totaling $1.2 million.
"This grant illustrates the kind of workforce development partnerships we are encouraging to address the challenges facing 21st century businesses," said Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. "When businesses identify the skills their workforce needs, educators and our public workforce system can be key players in preparing workers for the highly skilled jobs in high-demand fields."
This grant and others totaling $19.4 million were awarded to local workforce investment boards that have local or regional public/private partnerships with business and community organizations.
###
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755.
