ETA New Releases, Employment & Training Administration (ETA)

ETA News Release: [July 19, 2007]
Contact Name: Jennifer Coxe and Matthew Faraci
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 (202) 693-5052

Alpena Community College receives U.S. Labor Department’s Recognition of Excellence award for ‘educating America’s 21st century workforce’

Honor presented at national Workforce Innovations Conference

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Alpena Community College in Michigan today received the U.S. Department of Labor’s Recognition of Excellence award in the “Educating America’s 21st Century Workforce” category at the national 2007 Workforce Innovations Conference being held in Kansas City. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco presented the fourth annual honors, which recognize workforce investment system programs from around the country that have achieved outstanding success.

“Our honorees have shown that they are innovative leaders in providing workers with the opportunities and tools to help them compete in today’s global economy,” said DeRocco. “Their outstanding work serves as a model for others to learn from and apply to their own regional economic and talent development strategies.”

Alpena Community College, the Northeast Michigan Workforce Development Board and other partners created the Concrete Technical Solutions program to deliver technical training to workers in advanced manufacturing, information technology and health care technology. Driven by employer need and input, curricula were developed and distributed to workers throughout the region. As a result of this program, several employers have been able to employ more area residents. The curricula are now offered for credit at the community college.

The 843 persons trained exceeded project expectations by more than 50 percent. The numbers of workers advancing their careers also has been better than forecast. More than 350 certifications have been earned, and 300 promotions or new job responsibilities have been reported.

The Labor Department’s Employment and Training Administration presents Recognition of Excellence honors in five categories. The “Educating America’s 21st Century Workforce” category recognizes innovative and effective strategies to prepare workers for the challenges of a workforce that requires higher skills and more education.

The Workforce Innovations Conference provides an annual opportunity for state and local government representatives, private sector workforce and economic development officials, and educators to collaborate on workforce issues.

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