ETA News Release: [June 28, 2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or 202-693-3984
U.S. Secretary of Labor Announces Nearly $3 Million to Train Maine Workers in Advanced Manufacturing Skills
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a $2,996,724 grant to the Maine Department of Economic Development. Funded under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, the grant is part of an ongoing effort to train workers for careers in advanced manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is evolving, and the advanced manufacturing sector needs higher-skilled workers,” said Chao. “This $2.9 million grant will help workers gain the skills they need to build a career in advanced manufacturing. It will also be a boost to small and medium-sized manufacturers in the region by connecting them with workers who possess the relevant skill-sets.”
Through the grant, the Maine Department of Economic Development will partner in all six New England states with Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, a nationwide network of not-for-profit centers providing small and medium-sized manufacturers with the tools they need to succeed. A virtual Center for Supply Chain Integration will be created with hubs in each state to simplify and accelerate training for workers who use Computer-Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines. Reducing the time required to train a CNC operator and simplifying the CNC-related engineering expertise needed to submit competitive bids, will improve small machine shops’ chances of winning contracts.
The project will train over 300 entry-level and 750 incumbent workers. Curriculum and outreach materials will be distributed to One-Stop Career Centers and community colleges to increase awareness of the challenges facing small and medium-sized manufacturing employers in recruiting skilled workers. CNC operator training curriculum will also be tested in four to six community colleges throughout New England.
Through the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, the Department of Labor has been conducting executive forums with leaders of expanding industries to identify critical workforce gaps and issues. Solutions are chosen and are carried out in cooperation with employers, educational institutions and the public workforce system. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/.
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