News Release
ETA News Release: [December 31, 2003]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: 202-693-3984
Secretary of Labor Awards $3 Million to Middle Tennessee Workforce Investment Board
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The U.S. Labor Department has awarded $3 million to the Middle Tennessee Workforce Investment Board to train workers in information technology (IT) and biotechnology.
"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 350 incumbent and 50 unemployed workers, addressing skills shortages of 18 employers, ten of which are small businesses. Employers may train their own workers in occupations with identified skills shortages with funding and supervision provided through the grant.
Partners have committed to providing $1.5 million in matching funds. Based on the growing number of companies interested in participating in the project, the grantee expects a total match of approximately $2.5 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.
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NOTE: Following is the contact information for the Middle Tennessee Workforce Investment Board:
Middle Tennessee WIB
561 Mainstream Drive, Suite 210
Nashville, Tennessee 37228
Media Contact: Christine Bradley (615) 880-2327
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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.
