U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker issued the following statement on today’s announcement of the winners of $450 million in job-driven training grants that are part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) competitive grant program.
"These grants are an important tool in our efforts to help Americans better compete in a fast-moving global economy. Today's announcement specifically builds on this Administration's strong commitment to working directly with the private sector to develop effective training programs that will prepare workers with the skills employers seek. We know that encouraging partnerships between employers and community colleges is an approach that works.
Improving the linkages between training programs and employer needs is something I have worked on for years, and we have made it a top priority for the U.S. Department of Commerce for the very first time. Since I took office roughly 15 months ago, the need for improved workforce development is an issue that has been raised by nearly all of the 1,200 CEOs and business leaders I have met. They agree that this is an issue we must address to support American workers, help U.S. businesses grow, and continue the country's economic comeback. It is an honor to help lead this important effort with Vice President Biden, Labor Secretary Perez, and Education Secretary Duncan." Today, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the latest recipients of $450 million in job-driven training grants going to nearly 270 community colleges across the country. The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) competitive grant program has invested nearly $2 billion in hundreds of community colleges all across the country that have partnered with companies and national industry associations to expand job-driven training programs. To find out more about today’s announcement and the latest round of TAACCCT winners please visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/29/fact-sheet-vice-pr....
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
