GRANTS TO TRAIN U.S. WORKERS FOR HIGH-TECH JOBS OFTEN FILLED BY FOREIGN WORKERS
H-1B Technical Skill Training Grants (SGA/DFA -104)
PRESS RELEASE
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION
Media Contact:
Kathy Noll
For Immediate Release
Telephone:
202-219-6871
Friday, October 20, 2000
PRESIDENT CLINTON ANNOUNCES $54 MILLION IN GRANTS TO TRAIN U.S.
WORKERS FOR HIGH-TECH JOBS OFTEN FILLED BY FOREIGN WORKERS
The U.S. Department of Labor today launched a third round of
demonstration grants to fund high-skill training for American
workers in areas where companies are facing labor shortages.
"I am pleased to announce that the Department of Labor is
investing $54 million to help train American workers for jobs
in information technology and other high-tech industries," said
President Clinton. "This is an essential part of our strategy
to ensure that all Americans have the skills necessary to win high-wage jobs in the new economy .
This round represents the final portion of more than $95
million the Labor Department is investing this year in fees
received through the H1-B visa program that allows companies to
hire temporary foreign workers.
The funds will enable American workers to receive training in
such targeted occupations as computer engineering, internet
technology, web design, client server application development,
data communications and networking, computer support
specialties, software quality assurance analysis, electronics,
machinist skills, accounting, e-commerce, and health care
occupations.
"We don't have a worker shortage in this country, but we do
have a skills shortage," Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman
said. "The skills training made possible by these 22 grants
will assist incumbent workers and dislocated workers as well as
those new to the labor force."
Two earlier funding rounds took place in March and July. The
first round funded nine programs, totaling $12.4 million, while
the second round provided $29.1 million for 12 programs.
The H1-B grants build on several Labor Department initiatives
that address high-tech skill shortages, including:
June 2000: $10.2 million to establish or strengthen regional
partnerships aimed at meeting employers' identified skill
shortages.
March 2000: $15.2 million for regional skills consortium
building.
June 1999: $9.57 million to train dislocated workers in
computer and electronics manufacturing, machinery and motor
vehicles, chemicals and petroleum, specialized instruments and
biomedics.
June 1998: $7.5 million to 11 organizations to train
dislocated workers in information technology skills.
Funding for the grants announced today comes from a portion of
the $500 fee companies now pay for each H-1B non-immigrant visa
for which they apply under 1998's American Competitiveness and
Workforce Improvement Act.
Under legislation (H.R. 5362) signed by President Clinton on
Oct. 17, 2000, employers using the H-1B program will pay a fee
of $1,000 per H-1B visa, generating an additional $101 million
in FY 2001 with which the Labor Department will fund projects
to train U.S. workers in high-tech skills.
The National Science Foundation will have an additional $69
million under the new legislation in FY 2001 for scholarships
for low-income college students studying math, engineering and
computer science, and for math, science and technology
education in elementary, middle and high schools.
A list of the grantees is attached.
This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals
upon request. Voice phone: (202) 219-5577. TDD message phone: 1-800-326-2577.
The period of performance shall be 24 months from grant award.
Population Served:
200 incumbent workers for higher level training and 340
unemployed or underemployed for introductory training in
information technology and health care specialties.
Geographic Area Served:
State of Virginia
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information technology and health care, including a variety of
occupational skills training and on-the-job training.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
The A/A Consortium is experienced in tailoring training both to the needs of employer and the capability of potential trainees. The Consortium will address health care and information technology skills shortages in the area based on labor market information and assessment of skills of the potential trainees.
Partnerships:
Consortium members include The City of Alexandria, VA., and Arlington County, VA; Marymount College, Northern Virginia Community College and Old Dominion University; a one stop center, two community organizations and established business internships and externships in a variety of demand occupations.
THE NEED:
The Northern Virginia area employers has an unusually high level of demand for workers with technical skills in health care and information technology. The current supply of potential employees with high technology training falls short of the demand for them, threatening the continued viability of hospitals and businesses, which must resort to imported H1B workers.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The Consortium, with ten years of experience and considerable in-kind and cash contributions has a high likelihood of continued viability. The exceptional demand for high tech workers in the area, and the large pool of potential workers in need of training tailored to their abilities, should sustain indefinitely the demand for the Consortium's varied high technology training in Northern Virginia.
Grantee:
Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Development Consortium, Inc.
Grant Amount:
$2,799,951
Contact:
Marie Kaczmarek
Telephone:
(716) 885-9840
Duration of Grant:
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002
Population Served:
700 incumbent workers from thirteen local companies and eighty (80) unemployed and underemployed individuals
Geographic Area Served:
1,189,288; Erie and Niagra Counties, contiguous areas located at the Western end of New York State
Targeted Industries/ Job/ Skills:
Information Technology (IT) and Automated Manufacturing Skills
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Innovative strategies employed in this program design will include the application of the WIA Individual training account (ITA) concept to this employer focused skills training project.
Partnerships:
AFL-CIO; the United Auto Workers; Western New York Workers; Infotech Niagara; the Niagara County Workforce Investment Board, the State University of New York at Buffalo, Erie Community College, Niagara Community College.
THE NEED:
As large numbers from the aging local manufacturing workforce prepare for retirement, it is essential to have the foresight to begin advancing the information technology skills of younger manufacturing workers as well as to prepare more younger entry level workers for these jobs which increasingly use computer assisted manufacturing techniques. Employers in the key sector of the local economy.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The proposed program will provide for the upgrading of information technology skills and/ or training in automated manufacturing skills for approximately 700 employees of thirteen local companies and include 80 unemployed or underemployed individuals who may need these skills to qualify for jobs with these companies or other local firms.
Grantee:
Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium (CIETC)
Grant Amount:
$2,157,770
Contact:
Ramona Cunningham
Telephone:
(515) 281-9728
Duration of Grant:
January 2, 2001 to December 31, 2002
Population Served:
300 people, including 270 unemployed individuals and 30 individuals employed among the business partners
Geographic Area Served:
11 counties in West Central Iowa: Polk, Dallas, Warren, Story, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Boone, Guthrie, Carroll, Audubon, and the City of Des Moines (All of Iowa's Region 11 And three counties of Region 8)
Targeted Industries/ Job/ Skills:
Information technology - specifically software applications, programming and technical support in the information technology occupational fields
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Proposes an Information Technology Scholars Project; this involves bringing unemployed individuals into the information technology field through classroom training and "cooperative internships" and upgrading employed individuals by increasing their skill levels through training and experience in a higher level job.
Partnerships:
Des Moines Area Community College, United Way's Dislocated Worker Center, Iowa Comprehensive Human Services, Iowa Region XII Council of Governments, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Automatic Data Processing, Iowa Telecom, Maytag Appliances, Ruan Transportation Management and other businesses
THE NEED:
Although there is a very low unemployment rate in Central Iowa (1.4 percent), there is a serious deficit skilled workers. Specifically, over 20,000 new and replacement workers will be needed by the year 2005 in five key industries - manufacturing technology, information technology, health care, biotechnology, and skilled trades. Just under 10,000 of those needed workers will be needed in the information technology industry.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The Information Technology Scholars Project will provide technical training in a variety of information technology occupations through the use of classroom training and "cooperative internships" (for unemployed workers) and training and work experience in a higher level job (for employed workers). The training provider for this project is Des Moines Area Community College.
Grantee:
City of Greensboro (North Carolina)
Grant Amount:
$2,721,000
Contact:
Lillian G. Plummer
Telephone:
(336) 373-5922
Duration of Grant:
December 1, 2000 to December 31, 2002
Population Served:
550 people; 250 new workers to the information technology field and 300 workers currently in the information technology field. There will be a special emphasis on recruiting members of groups under represented in the information technology field for this program (women and minorities)
Geographic Area Served:
Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point NC (the Piedmont Triad area)
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information Technology Occupations; specifically computer technician, network technician, software quality assurance analyst, and higher level occupations such as WEB development and software automation.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
The project's special emphasis on under represented groups (particularly women and minorities) sets it apart. Currently, women, African Americans, and Hispanics represent only a minuscule portion of the population in the higher levels of IT occupations. It is anticipated that 70 percent of the participants will be from those under represented groups.
Partnerships:
Guilford County Workforce Development Board, IT Training and Solutions, Actuarial Sciences Associates (ASA) Inc., Burlington Industries, OASIS Corporation, Greensboro and High Point Chambers of Commerce, Guilford Technical Community College.
THE NEED:
There is a significant shortage of skilled information technology workers in the Piedmont-Triad area (Greensboro, Winston Salem, High Point, NC) to work in: 1. The IT industry business and 2. other more traditional industries -e.g, apparel and furniture - that are having to replace labor intensive methods with advanced computers and machinery.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The Information Technology Innovations (ITI) project is designed to: 1. Develop a technical workforce through training and certifications to address the IT skill shortage in the Piedmont-Triad area; and 2. Make available training courses to the incumbent workers and the current technical workforce in the IT industry to update their skills.
Grantee:
City of New Orleans
Grant Amount:
$2,708,305
Contact:
Thelma H. French
Telephone:
(504) 565-6414
Duration of Grant:
September 19, 2000 to September 19, 2002
Population Served:
350 individuals; targets incumbent workers and unemployed with non IT backgrounds.
Geographic Area Served:
The New Orleans Region
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information Technology (IT); Systems Analysts, Computer Engineers, Database Administrator and Computer Support Specialists.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
The work of the City of New Orleans, the Louisiana Technology Council (LTC) and partners is to promote technological innovation and improve education as a continuous boost for the area's innovative capacity and create a more dynamic and productive workforce able to access high-paying career positions. This proposal is intended to address an inhibitor to growth technology sector-an identified labor shortage of information technology workers in New Orleans.
Partnerships:
New Orleans Workforce Investment Board, One Stop Centers, the Louisiana Technology Council, the University of New Orleans Metro center, Metropolitan College and other area educational institutions and training entities.
THE NEED:
The New Orleans area is experiencing rapid growth in the technology sector. However, employers are experiencing difficulty hiring information technology professionals, which is having a negative impact on productivity and delivery of services.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The project will train 175 incumbent workers and 175 unemployed/ dilocated/underemployed individuals. The program will integrate its operations into those of the One-Stop, which will perform intake and assessment activities for the unemployed individuals. For the incumbent workers, the process will vary with participating businesses cooperating with the One-Stop to administer assessments f the incumbent workers, The One-Stop will also provide services to the incumbent workers. In either venue, the individual to be trained must demonstrate an aptitude in math and science to be eligible for training.
Grantee:
City of Newark
Grant Amount:
$2,770,000
Contact:
Unavailable
Telephone:
(973) 733-4820
Duration of Grant:
October 1, 2000 to October 1, 2002
Population Served:
420 individuals; targets women, people with disabilities and minority groups
Geographic Area Served:
Newark and Morris, Sussex, Warren and Union Counties
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information Technology (IT); Web Authoring and Developing, Database Management, and Programmers
Uniqueness of Proposal:
This is an innovative project developed to train people with disabilities, women and members of minority groups for existing jobs in the Information Technology (IT) industry. Both class-room based and distance learning advance training modules will be offered.
Partnerships:
The Northern New Jersey Regional I.T. Consortium, the New Jersey Technology Council, One Stop Centers, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Community Options, W.I.S.E. Women's Center, and the Urban League.
THE NEED:
Projections of industry and occupational employment for New Jersey identify the business services industry as one of the fastest growing industries in the state, projecting a 44.4 percent increase of 135,000 new jobs. The greatest numbers of new jobs are expected in the professional and technical major occupational group, which includes computer scientist and systems analyst.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
It was decided to target workforce development efforts at three significant disadvantaged populations: individuals with disabilities; women; and individuals with minority backgrounds. The focus will be on the top two issues identified by employers in the region: availability of qualified employers and training for skilled workers.
Grantee:
City of Peoria Workforce Development Board
Grant Amount:
$1,099,000
Contact:
Jennifer Brackney
Telephone:
(309) 495-8928
Duration:
October l, 2000 to October 3l, 2002
Population Served:
Peoria--young people age 20-29; other counties have older populations.
The target population to be served will be unemployed, underemployed, and employed workers within the local labor market area and adjacent districts. Special focus will be given to targeting minorities, women, people with disabilities, and other under represented groups.
Geographic Area Served:
Central Illinois including five counties: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark.
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Computer skills and technological literacy.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
The partnership brings together business, training, and service organizations including Advanced Information Systems Incorporated, Inc., Advanced Technology Services, Caterpillar, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Central College, Illinois State University, the Central Illinois Workforce Development Board and the local one-stop Workforce Network System.
Partnerships:
The Central Illinois Workforce Development Board, Central Illinois Workforce Network, City of Peoria, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Illinois State University, Illinois Central College, and local employer partners including small, medium, and large businesses have worked jointly to develop a service delivery strategy offering fast-paced, industry focused, intensive technical skills training. This training will prepare area employed, underemployed. and unemployed individuals for IT jobs held by H-IB workers.
THE NEED:
A recent assessment of local market needs for Software Engineers/ Programmers and Computer Support Specialists revealed a substantial increase in the need for these positions. It is estimated that the area will experience a need for over 200 Software Engineers/Programmers and over 400 Computer Support Specialists over and beyond its current workforce within the next two years.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The intent of this project is to prepare domestic workers for positions held by H-IB workers; place employed, underemployed, and unemployed workers in highly skilled technical jobs; employ an increased number of minorities, women and people with disabilities; address business and community skill shortages, and upgrade the earnings and skills of the area's workforce.
Grantee:
Workforce Investment Board of Cuyahoga County of Ohio
Grant Amount:
$970,000
Contact:
Susan Muha
Telephone:
(860) 440-3534
Duration of Grant:
April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2003
Population Served:
175 individuals, including welfare-to-work participants, economically disadvantaged individuals, women, minorities and persons with disabilities.
Geographic Area Served:
The City of Cleveland, comprised of 21 wards and over 500,000 residents, and Cuyahoga County with a population of just over 1.4 million.
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information Technology Field including occupations in systems analysis and programming; occupations in computer systems technical support; occupations in data communications and networks; occupations in computer system user support; and other computer-related occupations.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
To raise the skills levels of domestic (American) workers so that the traditionally under served workers, including economically disadvantaged individuals-women, minorities and persons with disabilities and a significant number of dislocated workers can move quickly through the training and into in-demand Information Technology positions.
Partnerships:
The Cuyahoga County Workforce Investment Board (WIB); the regional "One Stop" system; the Greater Cleveland Growth Association's IT Business Coalition; and Cuyahoga Community College.
THE NEED:
Research conducted by the Cuyahoga Community College showed that 291 northeast Ohio employers submitted H1-B applications for 668 workers in the first five months of 1999 to fill the unmet demand for Information Technology workers. Skills shortages in the Information Technology field hamper regional growth.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The primary focus of this training network and its ultimate goal is to raise the skills of American workers so that they can be trained quickly and then qualify for and be placed in high skill Information Technology jobs in northeast Ohio which are currently being filled by H1-B non-immigrant visa workers.
Grantee:
The Workforce Investment Council of the District of Colombia
Grant Amount:
$1,527,954
Contact:
Joseph W. Smolskis
Telephone:
202-884-9528
Duration of Grant:
January 1, 2001 until December 31, 2002
Population Served:
100 unemployed and 200 underemployed inner-city, minority, and female populations currently under-represented in the IT industry will be served.
Geographic Area Served:
Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (Greater Washington)
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information Technology (IT) skills, Business, Computers and Information Systems, Computer applications in Business, and Internet Research, Accounting, E-Commerce, Health Informatics.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
It increases the IT skills of the unemployed and underemployed while assisting employers undergoing skilled worker shortages. D.C. has a high unemployment rate in the midst of a prosperous high-tech economy. Funding the D.C. Workforce Investment Council under WIA with partners such as Trinity College, Howard University as well as Mariott, International and UPS will be very important in bridging the "digital divide" in our nations capitol
Partnerships:
Mariott, International, UPS, Washington Gas, Deloitte and Touche, Trinity College. D.C., Howard University, the Community Preservation and Development Corporation, and local community colleges, and the Workforce Investment Council of the District of Colombia
THE NEED:
Greater Washington has surpassed Silicon Valley in the number of jobs in the IT field. Paradoxically, the inner city still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. This project will help fill the gap in very creative ways.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The project will provide high tech training to 100 unemployed and 200 underemployed individuals in Washington, D.C. preparing them for high pay, high demand occupations. It will assist area employers who need highly skilled workers. It will target the inner-city, minority, female populations which are under represented in the IT industry.
Grantee:
Kansas City Full Employment Council High Skills Consortium
Grant Amount:
$2,678,147
Contact:
Clyde McQueen
Telephone:
(816) 471-2330 x 256
Duration of Grant:
November 1, 2001 to October 31, 2002
Population Served:
1,340 workers of three of the largest Kansas City MSA companies: Hallmark Cards, H&R Block, and Sprint Corporation.
Geographic Area Served:
Kansas City area and East Jackson County, Mo.
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information Technology; specifically, Tech Support for Computer Systems, Data Communications, Systems Analysis and Programming, and occupations requiring computer skills, such as Commercial Artists and Designers.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Large-scale partnerships between top area employers, the One Stop Center, and educational entities will target the skills most lacking by area US citizens so that those positions for which H1B workers are most sought can, in the future, go to qualified citizens.
Partnerships:
In addition to Hallmark, Sprint, and H&R Block, partnerships include the Silicon Prairie Association consisting of 170 IT businesses in the Kansas City area, Rockhurst University, the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and the Full Employment Council (one stop center operator).
THE NEED:
These employers have filled large numbers of openings in IT positions with H1B workers.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
To reduce the need to petition for H1B workers and to export IT-based operations offshore, the employer-partners will contribute significant resources towards training costs and will conduct a mix of customized on-site classroom training and on-the job training to attain specified, measurable outcomes.
Grantee:
League/SEIU 1199 Training and Upgrading Fund
Grant Amount:
$2,751,787
Contact:
Deborah King
Telephone:
(212) 494-0524
Duration of Grant:
November 1, 2000 to October 31, 2000
Population Served:
This project will train 675 employed and unemployed health care workers into high demand nursing positions.
Geographic Area Served:
New York City
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Health care workforce, particularly LPNs and Registered nurses and health care workers.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
The proposed training fulfills a two-fold mission: it answers a crucial need for skilled and specialized nurses in light of a projected nursing shortage to the New York City region, while providing career ladders of opportunity to women of color, bilingual workers, and immigrants, previously prevented from obtaining professional advancement and economic stability within a growth industry.
Partnerships:
New York's Health and Human Service Union, AFL-CIO, New York's One-stop, City and State Universities of New York, 1199 Registered Nurse Training, Workforce Investment Board
THE NEED:
Current research at both the regional and national levels indicates a demonstrated need for qualified nursing personnel beginning in 2000, and projected until 20020. Job opportunities for RNs will dramatically increase over the next several years, due to a number of factors, nurses are aging out and retiring, but replacement are lagging, as women are finding more lucrative and less strenuous employment fields to enter.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The training proposed includes distance learning and challenge out options, tutoring and counseling; preparatory courses in computer and the Internet, college level research and writing; and pre-course work in subjects required for entry into the participating nursing program.
Grantee:
Metro North Workforce Investment Board,
Northeastern Massachusetts
Grant Amount:
$2,372,522
Contact:
Nancy Brown
Telephone:
(781) 388-7700
Duration of Grant:
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002
Population Served:
750 semi-skilled incumbent workers
Geographic Area Served:
Northeastern Massachusetts
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Electronics and telecommunications IT jobs
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Targets H1B occupations with two employers, Lucent Technologies and Ametek Aerospace and their respective unions, CWA Local 1365 and IUE local 201, by providing three higher levels of training in math skills, tester and technician occupations - through both on-site training with paid release time as well as off-site training at two local community colleges, with labor-management committee coordination at each site under the umbrella of the Metro North Workforce Investment Board (WIB).
Partnerships:
Two leading employers, Lucent Technologies and Ametek Aerospace and organized labor - their respective unions, Communications Workers of America, local 1365, and the International Union of Electrical Workers, with Northern Essex Community College and Essex Community College, two local community colleges which will provide classroom training, with the coordination of the Metro North Workforce Investment Board.
THE NEED:
The Northeast Region of Massachusetts is home to 145 firms which concentrate on the production and use of communications equipment and electronic components and accessories but which experience a shortage of highly skilled workers. Lucent applied for 66 H1B visas out of a total of 2,185 applied for in this region from 1996 - 1999.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
These employer/labor union/education partnerships will employ a mix of on-the-job training, customized on-site instruction, and classroom attendance over a two-year period, leading to measurable outcomes for both the workers and the participating employers.
Grantee:
Napa County (CA)
Grant Amount:
$2,800,000
Contact:
Donna DeWeerd
Telephone:
(707) 259-8680
Duration of Grant:
November 1, 2000 to November 1, 2002
Population Served:
330 employed and 170 unemployed workers
Geographic Area Served:
4 contiguous counties in the North Bay area of California: Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information technology occupations to create a pool of skilled workers for North Bay area businesses
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Highly innovative mechanisms for delivering training: E.g., 1. Santa Rosa Junior College Technology Academy (SRJCTA) has just opened a modular curriculum to be delivered on-line 24 hours a day and on-site 7a.m. to 10 p.m. six days a week; 2. Sonoma State University (SSU) is providing a master's degree program in digital engineering through continuing education. This program is designed by local businesses primarily to meet their needs for incumbent worker skill upgrades.
Partnerships:
Workforce Investment Boards (and One Stop Centers) for Marin, Solano, and Sonoma Counties in cooperation with Napa County; Nokia, Alcatel , Advanced Fibre Communications, North Bay Multi-Media Association; North Bay Technology Roundtable; County of Napa Management Information Systems; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); SSU, SRJCTA, Napa Valley College, College of Marin, Solano Community College.
THE NEED:
The North Bay area is experiencing a major shortfall in the supply of highly skilled information technology workers to meet the needs of the explosively growing number of telecommunications and high technology firms.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The North Bay Employment Connection will implement a technical skills training system in the four North Bay counties of Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Marin, that will connect the resources of the community college systems, technology based employers, Workforce Investment Boards and other organizations. The purpose of the training system will be to raise the skill levels of employed and unemployed workers in the four county area so that they can fill high skill, high technology jobs across all industries that are currently in need by the region's employers.
Grantee:
North Central Texas Council of Governments
Grant Amount:
$2,800,000
Contact:
Jennifer Roberts
Telephone:
(817) 695-9179
Duration of Grant:
November 01, 2000 to December 30, 2002
Population Served:
455 people total: 80 people as Secondary Industrial Technology Teachers and 375 people in high-tech occupations. Open to all current workers, unemployed, and underemployed individuals. Special outreach to low income individuals, individuals with a disability, veterans, offenders, and racial/ethnic minorities.
Geographic Area Served:
Fourteen county region consisting of Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, and Wise Counties.
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Targets teacher certification for high-tech occupations; targets emerging occupations in high-tech fields, such as computer network administrators, computer programmers, computer support specialists, computer systems analysts, database administrators, electronic commerce specialist, computer security specialist, multimedia specialists, web masters, telecommunications specialist
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Provides training for technology education teachers to prepare youth for high-tech occupations to bridge current and future skills gap. Also provides training for high-tech occupations, with anticipated wage replacement rates of $20 per hour ($41,600 per year) for those who successfully complete program and certification
Partnerships:
North Central Texas Workforce Board; Collin County Community College District; Southern Methodist University; North Texas Human Resource Group
THE NEED:
North Central Texas employment is concentrated in the Manufacturing, Services and Trade sectors, which represent more than two-thirds of the total employment in 1997, and continues to expand. Manufacturing in the region is geared towards telecommunications and high technology industries. It is projected that by the year 2010, one of the areas known as the "Telecom Corridor" will add 40,000 jobs and be the second largest employment center in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex behind only downtown Dallas.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The North Central Texas Technology Training project is intended to provide both a short-term solution for high-tech companies facing labor shortages and a long-term solution for bridging the gap between the needs of employers and the skills of the American workforce.
Grantee:
Northeast Indiana Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Grant Amount:
$1,750,000
Contact:
Steve Corona
Telephone:
(219) 458-7l52
Duration:
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003
Population Served:
Nine county area in Northeast Indiana with a population of 551,08l.
Geographic Area:
Nine county area including Allen County, which is home to Fort Wayne, the largest city in Northeast Indiana and eight more rural counties which surround Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne.
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Targeted groups will be unemployed and underemployed workers, incumbent workers in entry level IT positions, low income individuals, dislocated graduating HS seniors. This project seeks to provide IT and IT-related training to these groups including the soft skills that are most in demand by area employers.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
The Techworks proposal will work with graduating seniors by developing special IT training programs with local high schools where graduating seniors can take course work which allows them to graduate from high school with an IT or IT related certificate. Scholarship vouchers will also be awarded to graduates enabling them to pursue advanced IT training following graduation. The goal of this set of special training services will be to provide high school graduates with IT training before and after high school graduation, making the transition from school-to-work a smooth one.
Partnerships:
Ivy Tech State College, Job Works, State Employment Service, the Northeast Indiana Workforce Investment Board, City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Community Schools, DeKalb County Central United School District, The Ottenweller Company, Inc., TD&M, Co., General Motors Corp (Fort Wayne Assembly), Sprint, and the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center.
THE NEED:
In Northeast Indiana, the available pool of IT trained workers is not commensurate with demand. Dramatic growth in the demand for IT and IT related workers has increased 300% in the last two years, particularly in the areas of network and software engineering. Employers have also clearly identified a need for employees with "soft skills" in addition to technical skills and certifications.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
This project will develop a set of training opportunities which build upon the existing training infrastructure in Northeast Indiana. Techworks will use a voucher system to enable individual trainees to assess IT and IT related training at local institutions. Scholarships or vouchers to access IT programs will be awarded to individuals who fall into targeted groups identified by assessment.
Grantee:
Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board
Grant Amount:
$2,797,189
Contact:
Sallie Glickman
Telephone:
(215) 717-2010
Duration of Grant:
January 1, 2001 until December 31, 2003.
Population Served:
A total of 300 people: 175 of these with known disabilities (100 of those will be unemployed while 75 will be employed in an IT industry but in dead-end positions.); another 125 -- both employed and unemployed -- will have "hidden disabilities."
Geographic Area Served:
Philadelphia, Delaware, and Chester
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Cisco Certified Internet Expert, Web Design, Client Server Applications Development.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Project will begin to bridge the gap between needed IT workers and disabled individuals by first establishing a vibrant Industry Advisory Board led by the CEOs of the 4 lead companies. It defines IT occupations being filled by those with H-1B visas. It will identify occupations with greatest need for trained workers. It will share industry requirements to create new training curricula. It will provide funds for training on a matching basis using monies currently used for recruitment or finders fees. It will provide "virtual" training" perhaps on the web. InspiriTec merges IT tech skills with a holistic approach to the special needs of disabled trainees. The project will provide intense case management, transportation and child care services. The project will introduce a new way of looking at the target population.
Partnerships:
InspirTec, Opportunity Center Incorporated, Philadelphia Workforce Development Board, the Delaware Workforce Development Board, Phila. Workforce Development Corporation, and a consortium of employers, Sunoco Oil, Atofino chemicals, and the Society for Information Management. Training Providers include LaSalle University, the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the DE Division of Voc Rehabilitation, Delaware Technical Community College, and the Thomson Institute
THE NEED:
There is a great need for IT workers in the region. The Philadelphia Inquirer recently ran 28 pages of ads for high tech workers. There were 296 jobs for website developers, 277 for network engineering, 216 for server database development and more.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
An employer-focused program, this IT Training for disabled and under served populations targets the high demand IT positions which are often filled through the H-1B visa program. It is a multi-county, multi-state, regional partnership to train disabled people in IT skills. It will show employers who are trying to meet the high demand for workers how to harness the skills of the disabled.
Grantee:
The Workforce Investment Board of Selaco
Southeast Los Angeles County, California
Grant Amount:
$2,800,000
Contact:
Bill Plaster
Telephone:
(562) 402-9336
Duration of Grant:
November 1, 2000 to June 30, 2002
Population Served:
500 professionals
Geographic Area Served:
Southeast Los Angeles County
Targeted Industries/
Jobs/Skills:
Machinist, Computer numerical control (CNC), CNC programmer
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Provides training for high-tech machinist/computer numerical control professional training program. The project will leverage the partnerships' existing resources and expand existing instructional interactive multimedia projects. It will create a sustainable multi-city regional network of training providers, businesses, and the workforce investment board to focus on the long-term workforce needs for this high tech industry.
Partnerships:
Gateway Cities Partnership, Inc., Cerritos College, Long Beach City College, Rio Hondo College, Compton College, California Sate University, International Association of Machinists
THE NEED:
Los Angeles county is home of one of the nation's largest concentrations of advance manufacturing industry, and the southeast sector of the county. Contributing to the region's struggle for economic health is the rapid globalization of its industry, particularly those dependent on machinist trades, including CNC. As more businesses make the transition to high-tech manufacturing techniques, more jobs are becoming available with no qualified workers.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The purpose of the project is to provide high technical training to fill a critical gap in trained machinists/CNC professionals. Training will range from short intensive technical seminars virtual interactive multimedia sessions, to traditional credit courses.
Grantee:
South Dakota Department of Labor
Grant Amount:
$2,714,720
Contact:
Michael Ryan
Telephone:
(605) 773-5017
Duration of Grant:
November 1, 2000 to November 1, 2002
Population Served:
The unemployed and underemployed workers in South Dakota; primary focus is on individuals ages 25-60.
Geographic Area Served:
Aberdeen (population 24, 865) including Sioux Falls and Rapid City, and Eureka (population 1,100)
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Lab Technicians, Radiology Technicians and Medical Records.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
This project will utilize Distance Learning through the South Dakota Skills Enhancement and Education through Distance Learning (SEED) project. Distance education will be provided to smaller communities to pursue occupations in their skill area when other opportunities lead them to larger cities with first class health facilities.
Partnerships:
South Dakota Workforce Development Council, Lake Area Technical Institute, SDAHO, Avera Health Systems, and Presentation College.
THE NEED:
As the demand for service providers continues to increase, there is a declining number of workers in the field. The shortage is not due to a lack of workers but rather a lack of workers with the necessary skills and prerequisite training .This project will utilize Distance Learning through the South Dakota Skills Enhancement and Education through Distance Learning
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
Rural communities have many workers employed as nurses aides, licensed practical nurses or other health related occupations. This project will offer an avenue for individuals who have made a choice to live and work in small communities to advance their education. South Dakota SEED will bring high-skill technical education programs to them through the use of technology. Interactive video and the Internet will be key components to this training.
Grantee:
Workforce Development Board of St. Louis County
Grant Amount:
$2,800,000
Contact:
Dana McAuliffe
Telephone:
(314) 615-0320
Duration of Grant:
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002
Population Served:
350 people; targets the employed or incumbent worker, the unemployed job seeker, older workers, minorities, and disabled.
Geographic Area Served:
St. Louis County, the City of St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson/Franklin on the Missouri side and Madison and St. Clair/Monroe on the Illinois side.
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Information Technology (IT); Systems analysis and programming, system user support, technical support, and data communications and networks.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
This collaboration between the late Governor Carnahan of Missouri and Governor George Ryan of Illinois, formally designated eight counties of the St. Louis area as a single, interstate labor market and provide training tailored to meet the needs of the participant and business community, this project also provides training that is accessible to everyone because it will be available along the MetroLink corridor. The region's 18 mile light rail facilities is home to many of the region's training and educational facilities.
Partnerships:
Workforce Investment Board, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, East-West Gateway Coordinating council, the University of Missouri, St. Louis, St. Louis Community College, East. Louis College Center (IL), Southwestern Illinois College, Technology Gateway Alliance, AAIM Management Association, and World Wide Technology.
THE NEED:
Like many older communities, St. Louis has struggled as its core industries in the industrial, manufacturing/transportation sectors have suffered major losses. The professional speciality occupations in the St. Louis MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) are expected to increase by over 47,000 positions from 1996-2006.Computer-related occupations are the fastest growing occupations in this group.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
This project provides the opportunity for a long-term solution to the area's skill shortages in the IT industry. In response, a committee of public and private interests from across the region are initiating a plan to result in a coordinated, bi-state (MO and ILL) system that develops and improves the region's human capital. Guidance will be provided by a broad Regional Workforce Development Group composed of local elected officials, educators, representatives of organized labor, and business leaders, including the chairs of the region's six Workforce Investment Boards.
Grantee:
State of Vermont
(Vermont Human Resources Investment Council)
Grant Amount:
$2,658,055
Contact:
Bill Cormony Greg Vorheis
Telephone:
(802) 828-4355 (802) 828-4343
Duration of Grant:
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002
Population Served:
65 incumbent and unemployed workers for high tech training and 148 nurses for operating room and critical care specialties.
Geographic Area Served:
State of Vermont
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Health care, specifically acute shortage of skilled operating room and critical care nurses, and high tech occupations.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Two unique employer-led partnerships will address the two skills shortages. 1) High Tech - Brings together employers who share common occupations within their industries and will share training costs, help develop curricula, and share knowledge and expertise partnering with Vermont Technical College and others. 2) Health Care - largest training effort among health care providers to date. Training will be provided at the sixteen hospitals and will also be linked with the University of Vermont's School of Nursing.
Partnerships:
HRIC membership, organized labor, community-based organizations, government, four colleges, all sixteen Vermont hospitals, and high tech industries, specifically IBM, Verizon, General Dynamics, BF Goodrich Aerospace, GW Plastics, Husky Injection Molding, and NewsBank.
THE NEED:
The availability of operating room and critical care nurses as well as area workers with higher level technical skills falls short of the demand for them, threatening the continued viability of these hospitals and businesses, which must resort to imported H1B workers
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The partnerships, which should lead to permanent training partnerships in coordination with the State one-stop career resources centers, will employ a mix of on-the-job training, on-site instruction, and classroom attendance over a two-year period. Both partnerships will lead to measurable outcomes for both the workers and the participating employers.
Grantee:
Workforce Essentials, Inc.
Grant Amount:
$2,800,000
Contact:
Ross Jackson
Telephone:
(931)551-9110
Duration of Grant:
January 01, 2001 to December 31, 2002
Population Served:
Targets incumbents workers who are either underemployed or have potential to benefit substantially from technical training; dislocated workers due to recent plant closings; recently discharged military personnel from Fort Campbell; and students entering the labor force.
Geographic Area Served:
Nashville, Clarksville, and 11 surrounding counties
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Occupational Clusters in both Local Workforce Invest Areas 8 and 9. Occupational clusters range a variety of field, such as health care, computer systems, construction technology, and plastics.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Partners with an extensive number of employers who have committed to the project and provided matching funds. The matching funds assist with program cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The number of partnerships committed to this project reflects a collaborative effort to fill the regional skills gap.
Partnerships:
Tennessee Local Workforce Investment Boards: Local Workforce Investment Area 8 and Local Workforce Investment Area 9; 22 regional employers (TriStar Health Care Systems, Sumner County Health, CEI Company, Inland Paperboard, Aqua Glass, The Parent Company, GF Office Products, Telco, Inc., Smithfield Industries, Mueller, Bosch Braking, Sumiden Wire Products, Tennsco, Standard Gypsum, Premdor, Teksid, Saint Thomas Hospital, Zycron, Celestica, Aerostructures, Trane, UNARCO); International Association of Machinists, local economic development agencies; regional training institutions; 13 local elected officials
THE NEED:
Regional businesses expressed a need for training far in excess of the grant award, reflecting a high demand for qualified individuals to fill job occupations. The labor shortage is most pronounced in the technical fields.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
This program alleviates the pressure of employers who are having trouble filling job openings due to a relatively low supply of qualified individuals in the region by identifying, assessing, training, and placing qualified individuals into specified positions within a relatively short time frame. Effective assessment will be a critical component of the program.
Grantee:
worksystems inc. (Portland, Oregon)
Grant Amount:
$2,800,000
Contact:
Anne Hill
Telephone:
(503) 478-7360
Duration of Grant:
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003
Population Served:
400 people; targets incumbent, dislocated, disadvantaged, minority, unemployed, and new workers.
Geographic Area Served:
The greater Portland region (Multnomah, Washington, and Tillamook counties)
Targeted Industries/ Jobs/Skills:
Manufacturing/microelectronics technicians, ranging from entry-level technicians to specialized engineering positions.
Uniqueness of Proposal:
Partners with Intel, the largest private sector employer in Oregon, which has agreed to provide hiring preferences to qualified Connect 2 Jobs program graduates; pilots a distance-learning component to explore the potential for making microelectronics training available through interactive video and self-guided instruction as an effective training model for incumbent and rural workers; recruits target population through extensive partnerships.
Partnerships:
Intel Corporation; the Semiconductor Workforce Consortium (consisting of regional semiconductor companies, colleges and universities, the Oregon Economic Development Department, the Portland Development Commission); Portland Community College; Tillamook Bay Community College; Clackamas Community College; regional One-Stop Centers; Youth Opportunity Center; Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce; Self-Enhancement, Incorporated; Dislocated Workers Project; Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Division.
THE NEED:
The semiconductor industry is projected to add 5,000 jobs between 1998 and 2008, growing by 22.9%. For example, Intel projects a need for 1,200 manufacturing technicians over the next 12 months.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECT:
The Connect 2 Jobs Skills Training Project will reduce the need for H-1B workers by providing a reliable pipeline of incumbent workers advancing in careers that begin with training. Successful trainees will help meet current industry demand for manufacturing/ microelectronics technicians. The project will contribute to the economic stability of the region and the health of the communities by including dislocated, disadvantaged and minority workers in the target population- better connecting these workers to career opportunities in the digital economy.
