Gov. McAuliffe announces grant to put long-term unemployed back to work

Governor Terry McAuliffe June 27 announced a new $6 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) to provide training and job placement to 600 unemployed by 2016, according to a news release.

The governor was quoted as saying,“Building a workforce development system that will position Virginia to lead in the 21st Century economy is one of my top priorities, and this new grant is a step in the right direction,. In executing this grant, Virginia Community Colleges will focus on high demand sectors, including manufacturing, construction, health care, hospitality and food service, information technology and transportation and logistics, in order to give students the skills and credentials they need to fill the jobs that are available right now.”

The federal grant will allow VCCS to bundle three existing programs that have been successful at accelerated credentialing and job placement – On Ramp, Adult Career Coaching and On-the-Job (OJT) Training. The partnership for this model will include the local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBS), community colleges, and businesses in targeted industry sectors. Together, they will serve individuals who have been, or will soon be, laid off.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones was quoted as saying, “Adults need more options for expedited education and training to get the skills they need to reenter the workforce in jobs that afford access to middle class wages and beyond.  I am pleased that this grant increases funding for a program like On Ramp that provides tuition support for shorter term non credit training as well as for community college certificates and degrees”

To learn more about career services for dislocated workers, go to http://www.vccs.edu/community-college-workforce-development-services-locator/