Labor Solicits Proposals For $700,000 Job Training Grants

May 18, 2001
No. 01-58

STEP Money Aimed at Job Training In Health Care, Construction, Tourism

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development is encouraging interested and qualified organizations to apply for job training grants available through the State Training and Employment Program (STEP). Grants totaling $700,000 are available for clients residing within the Balance of State Service Delivery Area, which encompasses all areas of Alaska, except the Municipality of Anchorage and Mat-Su Borough.

"We are targeting proposals aimed at value-added timber production, health care, construction, transportation, fisheries, and tourism in particular," Labor Commissioner Ed Flanagan said. 

Flanagan said high priority would be given to areas of documented labor shortages or employment opportunities, for women in non-traditional occupations, in areas with high unemployment and high numbers of discouraged workers, and for persons lacking skills or whose skills are technologically outdated. Proposals for any occupation where there is a demonstrated demand for trained workers will be also considered. In addition, this RFP is attempting to assist communities affected by the recent fisheries disaster. The deadline to apply for the grants is June 15, 2001. A copy of the grant can be found online.

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued the request in partnership with the Balance of State Workforce Investment Board, a local policy-making board that oversees job-training programs of the department.

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