U.S. Department of Labor Announces $3 Million Grant to Train West Virginia Workers for Energy Industry Careers

U.S. Department of Labor Announces $3 Million Grant to Train West Virginia Workers for Energy Industry Careers

Grant Is Part of $6.5 Million for Energy-Related Training in Appalachia

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a grant of $3 million to train workers in West Virginia for mining careers in the coal industry. Similar grants totaling over $3.5 million also were awarded today in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. These announcements are part of nearly $27 million in investments made in support of the nation's energy workforce under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic plan to prepare workers for jobs in expanding industries.

"Demand for energy is creating demand for West Virginia workers with the advanced skills today's mining industry needs," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This $3 million grant under President Bush's High Growth Job Training Initiative will enable creation of Mine Training and Placement Centers where West Virginians can access training that can lead to good careers."

The grant, awarded to West Virginia University, will help fund the development of Mine Training and Placement Centers, to be housed on West Virginia University and the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College campuses. Training will include traditional classroom instruction and practical experience in equipment operation through the use of simulators.

"The Appalachian region's workers will benefit from the advanced training provided for mining as well as mine-related work in areas like hydraulics and electricity," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "The combination of classroom and hands-on training will equip workers with the advanced skills needed to sustain good career opportunities in this industry."

Grants being announced today for Kentucky and Pennsylvania also will offer workers training for similar careers. In Kentucky, funding will help equip the community and technical college system with expedited training, using mining simulators, distance learning and mobile classrooms. Pennsylvania will receive approximately $500,000 to develop an Associate of Engineering Technology Degree in mining technology to meet local employment needs. The program, being established by Penn State University, will enable workers to learn valuable safety skills before entering a mining work environment.

The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative is a strategic effort to better 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. Solutions are then created in cooperation with employers, educational institutions and the public workforce system. For more information, please visit www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/.

Listen to the audio news release.

http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/eta20052344.htm