DOL Awards $5 Million Grant to Aid Displaced Workers
The U.S. Department of Labor is awarding a $5 million dislocated worker demonstration grant to North Carolina to support the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC's) regional taskforce's efforts to transition civilian workers from on-base jobs to careers in high-tech industry clusters.
"This $5 million grant will help workers from Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base transition to rewarding careers in high-growth, high-tech industries," Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao said.
The BRAC Regional Taskforce, a coalition of several North Carolina workforce development boards, universities, community colleges, K-12 school districts, and economic development commissions, will use this funding to plan for regional transformation and ensure that workers are prepared for high-tech jobs in support of national military preparedness and homeland security.
The task force will be responsible for: leveraging workforce, economic, and educational resources to support emerging industries; connecting the region's workforce with education and career opportunities; and connecting military, business, and industry representatives with workforce development activities.
"Programs funded by this award will lead workers in this North Carolina regional economy to higher-paying, high-tech careers," said Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary of labor for Employment and Training. "This pilot project will not only help North Carolina weather economic changes, but also provide the region the opportunity to develop a pool of skilled workers who are prepared to succeed in today's competitive global economy."
For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, visit www.doleta.gov.