The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced a grant of $65 million, aimed at providing training to colleges working with infrastructure-related sectors to develop skilled workers. The funds will be managed by the department’s Employment and Training Administration.
In a news release from the DOL, it was revealed that the colleges will enhance their ability to tailor training to meet the skill development needs of employers and assist students in securing stable jobs. A significant number of institutions set to receive funding are community colleges, partaking in the fourth round of Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants. This initiative aims to help schools train students for sustainable careers and will utilize the Good Jobs Principles established by the departments of Labor and Commerce in 2022 to offer career development opportunities. The Employment and Training Administration plans to collaborate with industry leaders to identify areas where employers need skilled workers most urgently.
Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su stated, "Training programs should not end in a job search; they should end in a job. The Biden-Harris administration is investing in training programs that are demand-driven; Strengthening Community Colleges grants will help connect people to good jobs and employers to the people they need." She further added, "The Department of Labor is awarding funding today that will help community colleges equip workers with the skills they need right now, and that will strengthen workforce infrastructure in their respective communities."
According to another news release, 16 lead institutions along with an additional 25 consortia members will benefit from the $65 million grant. These schools plan on collaborating with their industry partners across various sectors including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, construction, transportation and broadband expansion. The schools are set to receive $55 million in funding initially while a subset of grantees will be identified later on for participation in an evaluation study. They will share the remaining $10 million following a feasibility study.
