News Release
ETA News Release: [Oct. 22, 2003]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: (202) 693-2700
Statement of Assistant Secretary of Labor Emily Stover DeRocco
On Job-Training Funds
WASHINGTON - U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco today released the following statement at a Capitol Hill news conference with U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (3rd Dist. - Okla.) regarding job-training funds to train workers for high-growth jobs in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.
"The U.S. Labor Department is committed to training new and unemployed workers for jobs that exist in today's economy. With that goal in mind, the department's Employment and Training Administration, through its landmark High Growth Job Training Initiative, has identified industries and occupations that are expanding now and in the future.
As the economy strengthens, energy production is likely to increase and that will produce both jobs and lower energy prices. This $1.5 million grant to the High Plains Technology Center is providing 125 new workers in Oklahoma, Kansas and the Texas Panhandle with training -- in both English and Spanish -- in oil and gas extraction technologies. The training is also providing the opportunity for 325 workers who already have experience in the energy industry to upgrade their skills.
Through our partnership with the High Plains Technology Center, Key Energy Services and other industry leaders, we have been able to target worker training to those skills the industry needs to get the job done. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Key Energy Services and Workforce Oklahoma to ensure that workers are prepared for quality jobs at quality pay with promising career paths."
###
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.
