Funds Will Help Hundreds of Philadelphians Train for and Find Good JobsrnrnPHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board (WIB) awarded $1,537,225 in federal Recovery Act funding slated for 10 separate workforce development programs that will train a total of 558 people. Coupled with the $3 million announced over the summer that will train over 600 people, ARRA will now have put nearly $5 million in workforce funds into the City economy while providing career advancement opportunities for over 1,000 Philadelphians.rnrnFollowing the strategy outlined by the Mayor in the spring, these investments will focus on preparing workers for and placing workers in 21st century jobs in growth industries. Partnerships with community colleges and other institutions of higher education form a key component of this strategy. The goal is to provide educational opportunities that truly build human capital, preparing participants not just for a job, but for a career. Courses funded through this program will provide participants with flexible skills such as strong literacy and math and universally recognized credentials in addition to specific job training.rnrn“Educating Philadelphians for diverse, lifelong careers is absolutely critical in today’s ever-changing economy,†said Mayor Nutter. “We want to make sure people have the strong skills they need -– to compete in a constantly evolving job market. That’s what we mean when we say we want to build strong human capital, and it’s how we’ll get people in jobs today and improve Philadelphia’s position in a global labor market for tomorrow.â€rnrnThe announcement was made at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, recipient of up to $150,000 for a diesel mechanics and technicians program in partnership with Lincoln Technical Institute. In the previous round of funding, Congreso de Latinos Unidos was awarded $300,000 for a childhood development associate program. Participants in that program, who are expected to graduate later this month and all have employment lined up upon graduation, attended the event.rnrnThe 10 programs announced today further enhance the training options available, with an emphasis on emerging occupations related to the green economy, advanced manufacturing, and other targeted industries. (For a complete list of programs receiving funding, see below). The selected award recipients were identified through a rigorous competitive bidding process, which kicked-off in October with the release of a Request for Proposals.rnrnPhiladelphians who want to learn more about training, job placement, and other workforce services should call or visit their local PA CareerLink Center. There are five PA CareerLink Centers located throughout Philadelphia that serve as a “one-stop†network for individuals seeking employment or career advancement. In addition to connecting people to training programs, PA CareerLink Centers provide job search assistance, skill enhancement, workshops on topics such as resume writing and interviewing and a range of supportive services.rnrn“These training programs are a critical component of our economic recovery,†said Sallie A. Glickman, CEO of the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board. “We are investing in motivated adults so they can acquire the core skillsrnnecessary to fulfill current and emerging demands for employers. And for the individual trainees, their hard work will help them move toward financial independence.â€rnrnNicholas Torres, president of Congreso De Latinos Unidos, said participants in the previously funded childhood care program now underway at the center, have a greater sense of purpose. Many have said they expect their new skill set to be the spark they need to lead productive lives.rnrn“We applaud the Workforce Investment Board and the City of Philadelphia for making these workforce training investments in our community,†Torres said. “What our community members most want and need is an education and the ability to earn a living wage. Through our strategic partnerships – with Higher Education, Primary Health, Child Welfare, Schools, Childcare, and many others – Congreso has the unique ability to proactively address any health and safety barriers while helping our residents find employment. Our organization is proud to serve as a connector, and to place our residents at the center of our work. Ultimately, our residents will make this city thrive.â€rnrnAbout the Philadelphia Workforce Investment BoardrnFounded in 1999, the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board is a volunteer commission appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia with the legislated responsibility to govern the public workforce system in the city, including the CareerLink Centers. The organization that supports the commission – Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, Inc. – provides expertise in all facets of workforce development, and works to align the skills of the region’s labor force to meet the needs of industry, ultimately supporting the region’s growth and prosperity. The organization’s vision is a thriving and inclusive regional economy and its mission is to advocate and advance a demand-driven opportunity agenda that effectively prepares Philadelphians to compete in the economic mainstream.rnrnPrograms Receiving FundingrnrnFor home health aide and certified nursing assistant programs, the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanian will receive up to $182,700.rnrnHome Care Associates will receive up to $200,000 for a home health aide program.rnrnDistrict 1199c will receive up to $150,000 for behavior health technician, direct support professional and mental health worker programs.rnrnThe Energy Coordinating Agency will receive up to $130,975 for a pre-apprenticeship program of spray foam basics for trailers.rnrnFor a medical worker with electronic record keeping program, the Metropolitan Career Center will receive up to $123,550,rnrnCongreso de Latinos Unidos will receive up to $150,000 for a diesel mechanics and technicians program.rnrnThe Carpenter’s Joint Apprentice Committee will receive up to $150,000 for a program in green construction practices and procedures.rnrnPhiladelphia Motorworld, Inc. will receive up to $150,000 for advanced manufacturing automation training.rnrnThe Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Education Center, Inc. will receive up to $150,000 for a welding technology for veterans programrnrnThe Korean Community Development Services Center will receive up to $150,000 for a personal homecare aide program.