The US Department of Labor announced Thursday that it will fund over $175 million for community colleges to grow and enhance their manufacturing education and training programs. The funding is part of the $500 million 2012 Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grants Program awards.
"With the skills gap in manufacturing at an all-time high, and 600,000 jobs going unfilled as a result, these grants will enable students to earn the skills they need to access and advance in manufacturing jobs," said Jennifer McNelly, President of The Manufacturing Institute. "It will also support schools in building quality, relevant manufacturing programs that offer individuals industry-based certifications."
According to The Manufacturing Institute, the funding will allow for community and technical colleges to align their programs of study to the standards of industry-based credentials, increasing the number of individuals with certifications that make them eligible for in-demand manufacturing jobs.