WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) today announced a $1,775,030 grant to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) to educate and prepare workers for careers in advanced manufacturing. The association was one of 11 organizations selected from among 186 applicants competing under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative.

"It's important to invest in our workforce" said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The more than $1.7 million we are awarding to the CBIA will fund training programs to help gain the skills necessary to succeed in careers in the fast growing Advanced Manufacturing sector."

With the grant, CBIA will focus on meeting the common workforce development needs of aerospace, fabricated metals and medical device supply chains in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. A certificate program for entry and technician-level workers will be developed, and 3-D simulation training for computer numerically controlled machines will be established.

Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the U.S. economy and is responsible for more innovation than any other sector. It continues to contribute significantly to economic growth and to American competitiveness in world markets. Jobs in manufacturing provide workers better wages and benefits than those in other fields. Manufacturers, nonetheless, report persistent challenges in filling high-quality jobs available today.

Over the past several years, ETA has engaged manufacturers in forums and numerous projects and has begun collaborating with public and private entities on science, technology, engineering and math - STEM - issues.

"Manufacturers stand ready to hire, but they need workers equipped to advance America's competitive edge," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "This project offers innovative tools for preparing workers in Connecticut and in regions well beyond their home state."

The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative is a strategic effort to 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. Regional solutions are chosen through competitions that involve area employers, educational institutions and the public workforce system. For more information, please visit www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/.